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Protests as Maldives Supreme Court suspends elections
MALÉ, September 23, 2013 (AFP) – The Supreme Court of the Maldives on Monday suspended presidential elections due this weekend following a legal challenge, sparking protests and fears of fresh instability in the troubled Indian Ocean archipelago.“The Elections Commission got the opportunity to argue out their case and establish the credibility of the process,” he […]
Airbus predicts 29,000 new planes needed by 2032
LONDON, September 24, 2013 (AFP) – Airbus predicts that the world will need more than 29,000 new commercial planes over the next 20 years to respond to higher traffic and replace older models, the European planemaker said Tuesday.Delivering its 20-year outlook, Airbus said air travel through 2032 will be fuelled by traffic to and from […]
Air Asia X starts flying to Sri Lanka and Maldives
Sept 24, 2013 (LBO) – Malaysia-based AirAsia X, a low cost long-haul carrier said it is starting flights to Sri Lanka’s Colombo via Male, Maldives from September 28. “Our guests may now fly to Sri Lanka to take in the rich flavours and cultures that Colombo has to offer, and also to Maldives for a […]
Sri Lanka exports, imports up in July
Sept 24, 2013 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s exports rose 8.0 percent to 794.4 million US dollars and imports rose 20.8 percent to 1,601.1 million US dollar in July indicating a recovery in external trade, official data showed. In the seven months to July exports were still down 2.7 percent to 5,518.0 million US dollars, imports […]
Sri Lanka President on Twitter Q&A from New York
Sept 24, 2013 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s President Mahinda Rajapaksa will answer questions posed on Twitter, a micro blogging site, after addressing a United Nations assembly in New York, his media office said. The half hour Q&A will take place on Sept 25, at 9.00 am New York time which is 6.30 pm Sri Lanka […]
Shale Oil
NEW YORK CITY, September 24, 2013 (AFP) – The US shale boom is remaking the nation’s industrial landscape and raising the prospect of energy independence in the world’s biggest oil consumer.As the industry awaits more pipeline capacity, the US has seen an uptick in oil deliveries by rail and truck.Booming oil and gas production is […]
Sri Lanka has to fix primary schools as well as universities
Sept 24, 2013 (LBO) – Sri Lanka has to fix its primary school system where up to half the students are failing their junior high school exam, as well as universities, researchers and productive sector officials said. “Sri Lanka has to invest more in primary schooling,” Sujatha Gamage, an educational specialist from LirneAsia, a regional […]
”’ rating confirmed, outlook lowered
Sept 23, 2013 (LBO) – ICRA Lanka has confirmed an ‘[SL] A-‘ rating of Lanka Orix Leasing Company (LOLC) and two subsidiaries, and has lowered its outlook to negative. The outlook on the ‘[SL] A-‘ rating of Lanka Orix Finance Plc (LOFC), and Commercial Leasing and Finance (CLC) has also been lowered to negative. ICRA […]
”’
Sept 23, 2013 (LBO) – A proposed bond by National Development Bank Plc, has been rated by ‘B+’ by Standard and Poor’s, a rating agency. “The proposed notes will constitute direct, unconditional, unsecured, and unsubordinated obligations of NDB, and shall at all times rank equally with all other unsecured obligations of the bank,” S&P said […]
Sri Lanka bank liquidity surge, overnight rates lower
Sept 23, 2013 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s interbank rupee liquidity has surged to 80 billion rupees, following the conversion of proceeds of the a dollar bond by a state bank, and overnight interest rates have edged lower, dealers said.The monetary authority’s 7.0 percent repo rate where excess liquidity is withdrawn as well as risk limits […]
Sri Lanka stocks down, rupee stronger
Sept 23, 2013 (LBO) – Sri Lanka stocks fell 0.54 percent Monday losing some of gains from a surge on Friday the rupee strengthened, brokers and dealers said. Analysts say unsterilized dollar sales will be required to keep the rupee from weakening as the liquidity is turned into import demand through either through state spending […]
Factories ablaze as Bangladesh garment workers protest
DHAKA, September 23, 2013 (AFP) – Angry Bangladeshi garment workers blocked roads, set factories alight and clashed with police for a third day on Monday as protests demanding a minimum monthly wage of $100 spread outside the capital. Thousands of workers also attacked a camp of a reserve police force 40 kilometres (25 miles) north […]