China not part of Asia’s tourism recovery agenda

Writ application against CB Governor dismissed

The Writ application filed against the appointment of Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal has been dismissed by the Court of Appeal.

Lesser popular places under spotlight with ongoing influencer programme by SLTDA

In an effort to promote Sri Lanka as a safe tourism destination to international travelers, Sri Lanka Tourism has kicked on its International Media & Influencer Facilitation Programme to highlight the country’s lesser-known experiences.

Sri Lanka to promote capital market in Dubai

Sri Lanka will showcase its investment opportunities to the world come November by hosting the ‘Invest Sri Lanka’ Investor Forum in Dubai, UAE.

SriLankan commences Colombo-Paris flights after 6 years

National carrier SriLankan Airlines today resumed flights to the French capital Paris after a lapse of six years.

EDB slightly adjusts 2021 export target

The Export Development Board (EDB) has announced a revision to the export target for 2021 to US $ 15.72 billion from the US $ 15.68 set earlier this year.

Moody’s further downgrades Sri Lanka to Caa2

Moody’s Investors Servicehas today downgraded the Government of Sri Lanka’s long-term foreign currency issuer and senior unsecured debt ratings to Caa2 from Caa1 under review for downgrade, concluding a review for downgrade initiated on July 19, 2021.

Sri Lanka Tourism website gets fresh look and feel

In an effort to lure global visitors as the Cocid-19 pandemic eases with the ongoing vaccination drive, Sri Lanka Tourism unveiled today the new look and feel of its website.

‘Launch to Germany’ takes local startups to global markets

Local startups were provided with a platform to enter Germany with the facilitation of a virtual soft landing competition, ‘Launch to Germany’, that was held recently.

Kelly Felder becomes first major local brand to accept cryptocurrency

Fashion brand Kelly Felder today announced its move to accept cryptocurrency via leading blockchain payment provider BitPay.

Nautical tourism under fresh focus with Boat Show 2021 launch

Sri Lanka’s nautical tourism comes under fresh focus today with the launch of the first-ever virtual boat show in the country.

CBSL engages in “fruitful” discussion with QCB

Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) and the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) today engaged in discussion to look at firming up ties between the financial industries of the two countries.

Viet Nam expresses interest in deepening ties with SL

Viet Nam has expressed keen interest in enhancing bilateral ties with Sri Lanka, and its Ambassador to Sri Lanka Ho Thi Thanh Truc has highlighted to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa there are many avenues that remain untapped by both nations.

Sri Lanka Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai a success: SLTDA

The Expo 2020 Dubai has been a success for Sri Lanka so far, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) said as the award-winning pavilion has been effective in attracting nearly 10,000 visitors in the last 20 days.

Monetary policy rates of CBSL remains unchanged

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) announced today that it will continue to maintain policy rates at the current levels.

SL among Conde Nast’s best countries to travel in 2021

Sri Lanka has been voted as one of ‘The Best Countries to Travel to’ by the Conde Nast 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards.

SLTDA sets record straight on rant by US tourist George

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLDTA), which came under harsh criticism for not having the required systems in place to welcome tourists, as highlighted by a US traveler identifying as George, released a statement to set the record straight.

SLTPB explore avenues to lure travelers from Saudi Arabia

In an effort to lure tourists from the Middle East, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) recently engaged in active discussion with the outbound travel agents and tourism stakeholders in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, (KSA).

WB projects 3.3% growth for SL this year

Sri Lanka’s economy is projected to grow by 3.3 percent in 2021, while the South Asian region is expected to expand by 7.1 percent, the World Bank said.

World’s largest container ship at Colombo port

The world’s largest container ship, Every Ace is currently docked at the Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT) of the Colombo port while returning from her maiden voyage.

Second reading of EPF Amendment Bill on Thursday

The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) Amendment Bill will be presented in Parliament for the second reading on 7 October as decided by the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Labour yesterday.

Intl. tourism witnesses rebound in June and July: UNWTO

The UNTWO World Tourism Barometer that was released earlier today showed that international tourism witnessed a rebound this June and July with approximately 54 million travelers crossing borders.

Mandatory conversion of export proceeds to be strengthened

The Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said the repatriation and conversion rules on exporter earnings would be strengthened going forward.

100% cash margin rule on non-essential imports removed

The 100 percent cash margin rule on non-essential imports will be removed with immediate effect, the Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said.

Fully vaccinated tourists free to explore SL without restrictions

Fully vaccinated tourists with a negative PCR result at the time of departure will be allowed to enter the country without the need for an on-arrival test from today.

CBSL restores money changing licenses of entities failing to meet targets

The Central Bank (CBSL) today restored the licenses of several Money Changers who were unable to meet the targets due to issues stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic

SLTDA kicks off World Tourism Day celebrations in Haputale

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) today kicked off World Tourism Day 2021 celebrations by putting the picturesque city Haputale under focus.

Prez calls on for more financial support at UNGA

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday called on the member countries of the United Nations (UN) and international agencies to further increase their assistance towards developing nations so they are able to fully come out of the crisis brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

SEC Act of 2021 comes into force

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena today endorsed his certificate on the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka Bill in parliament.

Prez pitches investment opportunities in SL to Kuwait

In an effort to increase Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) into the country, the government has pitched Sri Lanka as a feasible destination for investments to the State of Kuwait.