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Sri Lanka plantations facing labour shortages
Sept 14, 2013 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s large plantations, especially those growing tea, are facing labour shortages, with young people moving out to cities in search of other jobs, a senior industry official said.During feudal and European colonial times Sri Lanka had to import labour from India for many activities ranging from tapping toddy, peeling […]
US nominee for South Asia post sees strong Indian economy
WASHINGTON, September 12, 2013 (AFP) – The nominee to be the top US diplomat for South Asia said Thursday that India’s economy remained strong despite recent concerns, and that further liberalization would strengthen relations. Biswal would replace Robert Blake, a former US ambassador to Sri Lanka who frequently urged the island to provide greater accountability […]
‘s economy grows 6.8-pct in 2Q 2013
Sept 13, 20132 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s economy grew 6.8 percent in the June 2013 quarter from a year earlier, the state statistics office said.Government services grew 3.9 percent. The agriculture sector shrank 1.1 percent; industry grew 10.1 percent and services 6.6 percent. In agriculture tea had contracted 0.5 percent, rubber had grown 2.0 percent, […]
” rating confirmed: Fitch
Sept 13, 2013 (LBO) – Sri Lanka based Dialog Axiata’s ‘AAA(lka)’ rating has been confirmed by Fitch Ratings with a stable outlook. “Dialog’s rating reflects Fitch’s expectations that its 83 percent-parent, Axiata Group Berhad of Malaysia (Axiata), is likely to provide support if required, given operational and strategic linkages between the companies,” the rating agency […]
Sri Lanka external accounts stabilized by $750mn bond sale: CB Governor
Sept 13, 2013 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s external accounts will be strengthened and the balance of payments will turn into surplus after 750 million US dollars were raised by a state-run bank, Central Bank Governor Nivard Cabraal said. National Savings Bank sold 5-year bonds at 8.875 percent Friday, over 350 basis points higher than the […]
Sri Lanka NSB raises 750mn at 8.875-pct
Sept 13, 2013 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s state-run National Savings Bank has raised 750 million US dollars at 8.875 percent, international capital market sources said. Price guidance for the bond was initially set at 9.25 percent amid volatile global conditions but narrowed to 8.875 percent amid stronger orders. The bank went to the market for […]
Chinese Links
Sept 13, 2013 (LBO) – A top delegation from Sri Lanka’s banking sector headed by Central Bank Governor Nivard Cabraal had talks with key Chinese banks which are among the largest in the world. “We are establishing links with Chinese banks,” Cabraal told LBO in a telephone interview. “There has been a very good interaction. […]
Top Rating
Sept 13, 2013 (LBO) – A ‘AAA(lka)’ rating of Sri Lanka’s Dialog Axiata has been confirmed by Fitch Ratings with a stable outlook.“Dialog’s rating reflects Fitch’s expectations that its 83 percent-parent, Axiata Group Berhad of Malaysia (Axiata), is likely to provide support if required, given operational and strategic linkages between the companies,” the rating agency […]
Sri Lanka police find explosives in seized truck after 17 years
COLOMBO, September 13, 2013 (AFP) – Police in Sri Lanka have discovered 100 kilos (220 pounds) of TNT on a truck impounded at a Colombo police station for the past 17 years, officials said Friday.The vehicle had been seized in February 1996, during the country’s civil war, less than two weeks after a truck bomb […]
Pressure on Sri Lanka finances shown by high bond yield: opposition
Sept 14, 2013 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s willingness to go as high as 9.00 percent a year to raise dollars from international markets shows the fiscal pressure brought on by high spending, an opposition legislator has said. Harsha de Silva, an economist said, dollar loan rates of around 9.00 percent was too high for people […]
Sri Lanka casino resort tax breaks firmed
Sept 13, 2013 (LBO) – Tax breaks for two casino resorts including one by Australia’s Crown group have been firmed with the cabinet of ministers giving the nod for tax breaks previously announced for large investments.Sri Lanka is pushing a casino strategy to draw high spending tourists, which can fill city five star hotel rooms […]
Sri Lanka economics book released
Sept 12, 2013 (LBO) – The Central Bank said it released a new book, ;An Introduction to Principles of Economics – Part 1′ It was written by C P A Karunatilake, Director, Centre for Banking Studies, the training arm of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. He is a graduate of Colombo University and has […]