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Trade deficit narrows marginally in Nov with imports, exports declining
Jan 17, 2020 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s trade deficit contracted marginally in November 2019 (year-on-year), with both imports and exports declining, the latest Central Bank data showed. The deficit in the trade account declined in November to US dollars 762 million, from US dollars 785 million in November 2018. The trade deficit contracted by US […]
US-China deal helps world growth stabilise; uncertainties persist: Fitch
Jan 17, 2020 (LBO) – The signing of the US-China “Phase One” trade deal will boost business confidence and supports our view that global economic growth will stabilise in 2020, Fitch Ratings says. But its full impact will depend on how the deal is implemented, including whether China can meet its commitment to dramatically increase […]
Masatsugu Asakawa assumes office as President of Asian Development Bank today
“I am honored to assume the role of ADB President and to begin working in close cooperation with our 68 member countries. ADB has been a trusted partner of the region for more than half a century, supporting strong growth that has improved the lives of people across Asia and the Pacific. I will strive […]
Milford Ceylon buys 19-pct of Softlogic Life
Jan 17, 2020 (LBO) – Milford Ceylon Pvt Ltd., a Mauritius-based fund yesterday bought a 19 percent stake in Softlogic Life Insurance PLC for Rs.2.6 billion. Shares amounting to 71.25 million shares was acquired at 37.00 rupees each, the company said in a stock exchange filing, Thursday. The seller was DEG or State Street Munich […]
Mobitel & ‘CareerMe’ takes on career guidance for students, teachers and parents
Reiterating its pledge in leading Sri Lanka towards an info com and knowledge rich society, Mobitel, Sri Lanka’s National Mobile Service provider, has partnered with CareerMe, a fully-fledged career guidance app and web platform developed by a local company in partnership with an Australian body, to aid students, teachers, parents and other industry professionals alike […]
Daraz partners with department of Samurdhi development to uplift rural entrepreneurs
Daraz Sri Lanka partners with the Department of Samurdhi Development to enhance the economic engagement and success of small-scale entrepreneurs in rural Sri Lanka. This partnership will train and empower Samurdhi entrepreneurs and small manufactures to use the versatile Daraz platform – currently host to over 25,000 sellers, and over 1.5 million customers – to […]
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Jan 16, 2020 (LBO) – Fitch Ratings has affirmed SriLankan Airlines Limited’s (SLA) USD175 million government guaranteed 7 percent unsecured bonds due 25 June 2024 at ‘B’. KEY RATING DRIVERS The airline’s bonds are rated at the same level as SLA’s parent, the government of Sri Lanka (B/Negative), due to the unconditional and irrevocable guarantee […]
S&P revises Sri Lanka’s outlook to negative; ratings affirmed at ’B/B’
Jan 16, 2020 (LBO) – Ratings agency Standard & Poor’s said it revised its outlook on Sri Lanka’s credit rating to negative from stable, citing increased risks from a deteriorating fiscal position. “Sri Lanka’s fiscal position deteriorated following the Easter Sunday attacks,” S&P said. “Although a recovery is expected, we expect a widening of the […]
China reaffirms steadfast support to Sri Lanka
Jan 16, 2020 (LBO) – The Chinese Foreign Minister and State Councilor Wang Yi met with the Minister of Foreign Relations Dinesh Gunawardena recently and reiterated its solidarity and support to the new Government of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Welcoming Minister Wang Yi, Foreign, Minister Dinesh Gunawardena thanked China for its consistent contribution to Sri Lanka’s […]
VIDEO: Why big tech is getting into finance
In 2019, many large tech firms announced plans to offer financial products and services. WSJ’s Liz Hoffman explains why Google, Apple, and others are offering products that might someday replace your wallet.
US Ambassador Wells conveys desire to build stronger relationship with Sri Lanka
Foreign Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardena conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the development partnership the United States has extended to Sri Lanka as well as respect and appreciation for the democratic processes in the country. He articulated these sentiments during discussions in Colombo with US Principal Assistant Secretary of State Ambassador Alice Wells at the Ministry […]
Cabinet nod to increase estate worker daily wage to 1,000 rupees
Jan 15, 2020 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers have decided that the minimum daily wage of estate workers to be 1,000 rupees with effect from March this year. It was also decided to take swift measures to develop all areas of the plantation sector including infrastructure facilities. The cabinet proposal tabled by the […]