Category: Trade
Import Controls in Sri Lanka: Political Preference and Incentive Distortions
Battling an unprecedented economic crisis that overlapped the COVID-19 pandemic, Sri Lanka resorted to strict import controls since early 2020. These measures gradually encompassed 31% of total imports by September 2022, with the intention of reducing foreign exchange leakages on “non-essential” imports. However, the effectiveness and implications of these stringent regulations have raised questions. A […]
High-level Israel delegation and EDB discuss avenues to promote bilateral trade
An official delegation from Israel met the senior EDB officials on 29th June and had a fruitful discussion to explore avenues to promote trade and economic cooperation between Israel and Sri Lanka. The delegation from Israel was represented by Ophir Kariv, Head of Bureau, Economic Affairs Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel […]
Sri Lankan companies participate in largest trade show in South Africa
Two major Sri Lankan export companies participated in the South African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX) 2023, an annual multi-sector trade-show, held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa from 18– 20June 2023. This year, more than 120 exhibitors from 37 countries participated at SAITX attended by more than 3500 attendees representing importers, wholesalers, retailers, product […]
Premier praises British Envoy’s efforts to promote UK-Sri Lanka ties
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena thanked the outgoing High Commissioner of the United Kingdom Sarah Hulton for her persistent efforts to strengthen friendly relations between Sri Lanka and UK. He said this when the High Commissioner paid a farewell call on him at the Temple Trees Monday. The Prime Minister said that the untiring efforts of […]
Palm Oil Industry in Sri Lanka: An Economic Analysis
Dr Erandathie Pathiraja, Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS), provides valuable insights into the recently published IPS study, ‘Palm Oil Industry in Sri Lanka: An Economic Analysis’. The study authored by Dr. Erandathie Pathiraja, Ruwan Samaraweera, Hiruni Fernando, and Jaan Bogodage, offers a comprehensive analysis of the economic and […]
New online passport application system initiated; Passports to be delivered within 3 days
The Immigration and Emigration Controller General, Harsha Ilukpitiya, announced that President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s initiative to digitize public services includes the implementation of an online passport application system in the coming days. This new process aims to streamline the passport application process and ensure that passports are delivered to applicants’ residences within a span of three […]
EU welcomes Sri Lanka’s intention to present a plan for lifting import restrictions by June
The European Union (EU) urges Sri Lanka to lift the import restrictions preventing many European products from entering its market. At the 25th Session of the Sri Lanka – EU Joint Commission, the EU welcomed Sri Lanka’s intention to present a plan for the lifting of the import restrictions by June 2023. At the session, […]
National Organic Certification Mark Made Public by EDB
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) on Friday made public the National Organic Certification Mark (NOCM) to increase consumers’ awareness of organic food production. The event was organized by the National Organic Control Unit (NOCU) of the EDB, in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in Sri Lanka, co-funded by […]
‘s Central Bank says structural reforms needed for short and long-term issues: Annual Report
The implementation of structural reforms focusing not only on restoring near term stability but also on rebuilding the nation with adequate safeguards and resilience in the post-debt restructuring and post-IMF bailout era is vitally important for permanent revival from the current economic crisis, Central Bank of Sri Lanka releasing its 2022 annual report said. The […]
Sri Lanka – Canada biz council of CCC hosts interactive evening with Canadian HC
The Sri Lanka – Canada Business Council (SLCBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce hosted an interactive evening with His Excellency Eric Walsh, High Commissioner of Canada to Sri Lanka and Maldives. Organized in collaboration with the High Commission of Canada to Sri Lanka and Maldives, the event was attended by senior officials of the […]
Dutch companies exploring investment opportunities in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture: Envoy
The Dutch companies are eager to explore investment opportunities in renewable energy, eco-labeling and sustainable agriculture, if Sri Lanka can showcase a corruption free business environment, Her Excellency Bonnie Horbach, Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Sri Lanka stated at a meeting with the leadership of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, during Her […]
Innovative Digital Marketplace to Help Sri Lanka’s Small Businesses
To expand the reach of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), including women-owned small businesses, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) is supporting the Commercial Bank of Ceylon (CBC) launch a digital marketplace in Sri Lanka, helping business owners connect with more customers locally and abroad. Named Commercial Bank LEAP, this one-of-its-kind initiative, which is supported under […]