Sri Lanka adds more taxes for smokers

Sep 30, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has approved a 15 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) and 5.00 rupees production tax on cigarettes as well as an increase of cess on the import of “beedi” leaves, a statement said. “Cabinet has decided to impose 15 percent VAT on cigarettes again, increase the current production […]

Asia stocks slip as Deutsche sours mood, Brent USD49.24 on OPEC pact

SINGAPORE, Sept 30 (Reuters) – Asian stocks followed Wall Street lower in early trade on Friday, while oil prices held close to the highest level in almost a month on optimism over an OPEC plan to curb output. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 0.5 percent, on track for a 0.4 percent […]

Sri Lanka can meet 5.4-pct budget deficit target for 2016: Ravi

Sep 30, 2016 (LBO) – Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake said Sri Lanka is well on its way to achieving the fiscal target for 2016 as the Value Added Tax increase would be presented in Parliament next week. “Revenue collection is largely on target despite delays in passing the VAT amendments, and we are confident of […]

One in four Sri Lankan households own a computer: survey

Sep 29, 2016 (LBO) – At least one computer is available in 24 percent of households in Sri Lanka, in urban as well as rural areas, the Department of Census and Statistics said in its Computer Literacy report for 2015. “That is about one out of every four households owns either a desktop or a […]

Asia stocks gains as crude oil surges after OPEC deal

TOKYO, Sept 29 (Reuters) – Asian stocks gained on Thursday in tandem with an oil price rally after OPEC members agreed to curb output – boosting investor risk appetite. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was up 0.6 percent. Commodity-heavy Australian shares advanced 0.6 percent and South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.7 percent. Japan’s […]

US based BlackRock shows interest in Srilankan airlines: Minister

Sep 28, 2016 (LBO) – Two global investment managers, US based BlackRock and TPG Capital, have shown interest in crisis-hit SriLankan Airlines which is looking for a partner, a minister said. “BlackRock and TPG Capital, two global investment management firms are among the interested parties in addition to some Chinese airlines,” Malik Samarawickrama, minister of […]

‘s gains, oil prices slide

TOKYO, Sept 28 (Reuters) – Asian stocks edged up early on Wednesday following an overnight rise for U.S. stocks, while reduced hopes that a meeting of major producers would reduce a oversupply weighed heavily on crude oil prices. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.1 percent. Australian stocks were up 0.5 percent […]

Cinnamon Life launch second residential tower ‘The Suites at Cinnamon Life’

(PRESS RELEASE) – Sri Lanka’s most iconic mixed development project, Cinnamon Life, announced the launch of ‘The Suites at Cinnamon Life’, the second residential tower to be constructed as part of a 4.5 million square foot integrated resort by Waterfront Properties (Private) Limited, a member of the John Keells Group. At the time of launch, […]

JAT Holdings, sponsors 4th Sri Lanka Wood International Expo 2016

(PRESS RELEASE) – JAT Holdings sponsored the recent 4th edition of the Sri Lanka Wood International Expo 2016 exhibition which culminated with great success at the BMICH in Colombo. Managing Director of JAT Holdings, Mr. Aelian Gunawardene said, “It gave us great pleasure to present this well-attended exhibition which afforded the excellent opportunity for players […]

‘s

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Good morning to you all. I consider it a great pleasure and honor to speak to such a distinguished audience, at this national conference on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). It has become evident that an important trend in economic and social development is taking place in countries around the world. The […]

Clinton, Trump clash over race and economy in first debate

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y., Sept 26 (Reuters) – Democrat Hillary Clinton accused Republican Donald Trump on Monday of having a long history of racist behavior during a heated presidential debate that could reshape the 2016 campaign for the White House. Clinton and Trump interrupted each other throughout the debate on topics ranging from foreign policy to the […]

Infrastructure: Sri Lanka should rethink housing for urbanizing population

Sep 23, 2016 (LBO) – Sustainable city development will need to entail alternative housing for urban poor as they are service providers for city dwellers, industrial hub and the ports while also looking at affordability for the middle income earner, a senior official said. “A paradigm shift is required. We need to rethink key areas […]

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