Sand Castles

The Central Environmental Authority on Friday approved sand mining off the shores of Wadduwa and Kalutara. The Coast Conservation Department project will scoop sand off the seabed at depths of about 15 meters, roughly 2 km off the coast.rn rnThe initial phase of the project expected US$ 5 million is being funded with Dutch aid. […]

Sino Ties

Sri Lanka is moving to cement its ties with China, with a state visit by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinge next month.In addition to meeting Chinese Premier and President Prime Minister Wickremesinghe will also meet the Chinese Commerce and agriculture ministers, during the six-day visit, which will start on August 08th.rn rnSri Lanka is hoping to […]

Housing Carrots

The government is kicking off a housing scheme for government officers in a bid to attract and keep the top quality administrative officers.ldblquote We need to give additional incentives outside the salary to attract good people to government service dblquote , Cabinet Spokesman G. L. Pieris said.rn rnThe low cost housing units will range from […]

Leveraged Funds

The Urban Development Authority (UDA) has negotiated with local banks to raise upto Rs. 1 bn to build 1300 houses for the middle and high income segments.The loan will pay for initial work, with the UDA planning to front sell the homes to raise the balance requirement of Rs. 9 bn. rn rnThe monies will […]

Safety Features

The government is looking at offering up to one year as compensation for employees who lose their jobs and also allow people to take their provident fund monies early.Labour Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said a safety net scheme to offer compensation to victims of corporate restructuring is being worked out and will be announced before the […]

Donor Support

The World Bank said its funding for the North and East of the island could continue through an interim administration if the government so wished.The bank, which upped its aid package by a further US$ 200 mn, recently said that all disbursement agreements have been drafted in a way that will allow for changes in […]

More Horsepower

The Government is giving Parliament more power to crack the whip on errant public institutions and corporations by strengthening the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee.The committee will be given more ammunition to fire at State officials who delay accounts of Government institutions, Ministries and Corporations.rn rnThe Government has already put the committee under opposition leadership. rn […]

Big Push

As some of the Tokyo aid dollars begin to roll in, a top level government committee is looking at fast tracking some of the key infrastructure projects.Top among the list is a series of road networks that is aimed at spurring economic growth and creating new jobs.rn rnCabinet Spokesperson, Prof. G L Peiris says a […]

Aid Float

Sri Lankas cash float just got heavier, with the World Bank upping its aid from US$ 800 mn to US$ 1 bn over the next four years. rnldblquote For the next two years we are allowed to increase our commitment from US$ 200 mn a year to US$ 300 mn, taking the four year total […]

Trade Net

Potential Euro-Sri Lankan business partners in the plastics and rubber sector will be linked up via a joint trade database floated today.rn Launched by the European Chamber, this will serve as a data source on rubber and plastic companies, product profiles, areas for joint ventures and technical assistance.rn rnThe database (www.eccsl.com) would be the starting […]

Outright sales

Central Bank may start outright sales of government securities as early as next week with rising foreign inflows boosting the countrys money supply.rnrnldblquote We have not made a final decision but we may hold the first auction next week, dblquote says Dr. D. S. Wijesinghe, Head of Central Banks Domestic Operations.rn rnThis indicates a slight […]

Looking Glass

Government plans to set up 14 Oversight Committees to look over key state functions is on track, with proposals going to parliament in a few weeks. ldblquote The proposals for the oversight committees are now ready and will be presented in parliament in the coming weeks dblquote , Enterprise Development Minister G.L Peiris said Thursday.rn […]

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