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Sri Lanka gets AirAsia flight to Bangkok
Mar 02, 2012 (LBO) – Low-cost carrier AirAsia’s Thai unit has begun direct flights connecting Bangkok with the Sri Lankan capital Colombo aiming to attract tourists and pilgrims in both countries whose main religion is Buddhism. Tassapon Bijleveld, chief executive of Thai AirAsia, said they expect a load factor of around 75-80 percent in the […]
Sri Lanka interest rate increases seen hitting insurance growth
Mar 02, 2012 (LBO) – The rise in interest rates in Sri Lanka, which began recently, could reduce the growth of the insurance market as it reduces the affordability of insurance products, RAM Ratings Lanka said. However, the rating agency said that despite the premium growth, most general insurers’ underwriting performance continued to be weak, […]
Sri Lanka caps forex forward deals to 90-days
March 01, 2012 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s central bank has capped forward foreign exchange deals with the rupee to 90 days to reduce speculation Governor Nivard Cabraal said. “It will reduce speculation overall,” Cabraal said. Sri Lanka reduced interventions in forex markets on February 09, allowing the exchange rate to be market determined and said […]
Sri Lanka shares end up 0.2-pct
Mar 01, 2012 (LBO) – Sri Lankan shares closed firmer Thursday with big deals in Hayleys and LB Finance pushing up turnover, brokers said. The main All Share Price Index closed up 0.21 percent (11.59 points) at 5,469.68, while the more liquid Milanka index rose 0. 26 percent (12.13 points) to close at 4,763.19. Turnover […]
Asset Quality
Mar 01, 2012 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Sampath Bank said December 2011 quarter net profit fell 34 percent from a year ago but a rapid growth in staff and branches should help boost profits in future despite falling interest margins. He said 78 percent of the bank’s funding was generated from deposits compared with an […]
‘s AirAsia cuts pre-booked meal prices
Mar 01, 2012 (LBO) – AirAisa, a Malaysia based budget carrries said it had cut in-flight meals as much as 30 percent in the wake of a cut in check-in baggage fees two weeks earlier. “AirAsia always strives to listen to our guests, and take into account their feedback on how we can make their […]
Japan gains Sri Lanka auto market share with hybrids
Mar 01, 2012 (LBO) – Japan has increased its share in Sri Lanka’s auto market to 36 percent from 33 percent in value with a surge in hybrid vehicles, amid a boom coming after a cut in taxes, Sri Lanka’s main business chamber said. More than 100,000 petrol driven three wheelers have been imported in […]
UK restricts skilled workers; allows servants, scientists
Mar 01, 2012 (LBO) – The United Kingdom has tightened immigration rules, ending automatic settlement for skilled workers but allowing scientists and those in low-paid jobs where there are worker shortages and limited stay for servants. œOur reforms of the immigration system will ensure we are more selective, not only about those who are allowed […]
Sri Lanka think tank World Bank starts online debate on better jobs
Mar 01, 2012 (LBO) – An online discussion based on a report by Sri Lanka’s Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) and the World Bank on creating better jobs has been started using ‘Google Moderator’, to invite more public discussion. “Sri Lanka is in a new phase of growth, but the development challenges are many. Unemployment […]
Sri Lanka hoping to resume IMF program: Central Bank
Mar 01, 2012 (LBO) – Sri Lanka is planning to resume a deal with the International Monetary Fund which can boost the island’s forex reserves which had fallen to 5. 7 billion US dollars and there is no capital flight, the Central Bank said. Analysts say that in the absence of a clean float and […]
‘s central bank says S&P downgrade unwarranted
Feb 29, 2012 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Central Bank says an outlook and rating by Standard & Poor’s in the wake of balance of payments pressure is unwarranted because corrective steps have been taken by the government. S&P on Wednesday cut the outlook on Sri Lanka’s ‘B+’ foreign currency rating to ‘stable’ from ‘positive’ and […]
Sri Lanka Treasuries yields up, bonds lower
Feb 29, 2012 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Treasuries yields rose across maturities at Wednesday’s auction though bond yields were pushed down by state managed fund, ahead of a 51 billion rupee rollover due on Thursday, dealers said. The state debt office said the 3-month yield rising 30 basis points to 9. 81 percent, the 6-month […]