Sri Lanka to be taken off UK’s red list

As the UK scraps off its Amber list, it will take, Sri Lanka alongside seven other countries, off the red list from Wednesday (22 September).

Couch Safari to go live again

Sri Lanka Tourism has geared up to unveil the second edition of ‘Couch Safari’ by live-streaming the Wilpattu National Park for the global audience.

Economic growth of 5% likely to be a reality: CBSL

The government yesterday sounded upbeat on the possibility of Sri Lanka achieving an economic growth of 5 percent in 2021.

2Q economic growth surges to 12.3% amid low base effect

Sri Lanka’s economy grew robust 12.3 percent in the second quarter of 2021 despite the COVID-19 virus-induced restrictions on economic activities since late April as a result of an extremely low base in the corresponding period of the previous year.

Providing clarity on macro-economic fundamentals first priority of CB: Cabraal

Former MP, Ajith Nivard Cabraal who assumed duties as the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) today said that the first priority of the monetary watchdog under his leadership will be to shed light on the macroeconomic stance of the economy.

Climate Change to push 260 mil people to migrate by 2050: WB

Climate change, which has become a powerful driver of migration, is likely to push around 260 million people across six world regions to move within their countries by 2050, the World Bank (WB) said.

President appoints Cabraal as CB Governor

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appointed Ajith Nivard Cabraal, who resigned from Parliament today, to the post of Governor of the Central Bank with effect from September 15, 2021.

Technical issues puts CSE market on halt again

Issues in internet connectivity led the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) to halt market operations today.

CB Governor Lakshman announces resignation

Prof. W.A. Lakshman this afternoon announced his resignation from the post of Central Bank Governor with effect from September 14.

CB further tightens noose on imports to preserve currency

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) announced today its decision to impose a 100 percent cash margin deposit requirement against the importation of selected goods of non-essential/non-urgent nature made under Letters of Credit and Documents against Acceptance terms with Licensed Commercial Banks and National Savings Bank, with immediate effect.

SLTDA requests MoH to relax health guidelines to accommodate Russian Tourists

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) this week put forward a series of requests to the Ministry of Health (MoH) to relax the health guidelines imposed to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus, an effort to make the island nation more appealing to tourists.

Emirates offers special fares for Sri Lankans

Emirates, the largest airline of the UAE, announced today it will offer special fares for Sri Lankans who are looking to resume international travel.

No way anyone can say there is a change in lifestyle: Cabraal

There is no way that anyone can say that there has been any change in the lifestyle of people in their normal day-to-day activities, said State Minister of Finance, Capital Markets and State Enterprise Reforms Ajith Nivard Cabraal recently referring to the concerns raised with regard to the forex and essential items shortage in the country.

Legendary investor S.P. Tao no more

Legendary Singaporean investor and the Chairman of Overseas Realty Ceylon PLC S.P. Tao has passed away at the age of 105 in Nanjing, China.

Sri Lanka faces no food shortage: Govt.

The government today said the country is not facing any food shortages at present and the reduced access to essential commodities are due to traders hoarding stocks.

No internal investigation on two former Jt. COOs of Asia Capital, says Director

Responding to recent media reports regarding two former Joint Chief Operating Officers Reyhan Morris and Sandun Hettige of Asia Capital PLC, a top official of the company said there was no internal investigation carried out on the conduct or actions of the two individuals during their tenure at Asia Capital group.

India’s Maruti Suzuki to cut production by 60% due to chip shortage

Maruti Suzuki, India’s biggest car maker announced this week that its vehicle production will contract by 60 percent this month as the company faces challenges in sourcing chips due to a global shortage of semiconductors.

SL receives US $ 787mn from IMF; US $ 150mn from B’desh

Sri Lanka has received Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) to the equivalent of US $ 787 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the multilateral lender’s latest US $ 650 billion SDR allocation, the Central Bank said.

Live streaming of Kandy Esala Perahera reached 16K global viewers

The global live streaming of the Kandy Esala Perahera that was facilitated by Sri Lanka Tourism this year reached nearly 16,000 viewers across the globe making the online promotion effort during the pandemic a success, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) said.

SLT says it has nothing to do with NMRA cyber mystery

National telecommunications services provider, SLT-Mobitel has set the record straight on recent media reports claiming that the company managed the Lanka Government Cloud and provided services to the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA).

CSE creates market history with ASPI crossing 9000 points

For the first time in market history, the All Share Price Index (ASPI) of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) crossed the 9000 point mark in early trade today.

CSE’s All Share Price Index hits new all-time high

The All Share Price Index (ASPI) of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) reached an all-time high today, hitting 8,920.71 points.

July tea production down YoY, but up from June

Tea production in July witnessed a marginal dip of 0.31 MnKgs when compared with the corresponding period the previous year. However, the July production of 26.16 MnKg is higher than the 25.93 MnKg recorded in June 2021.

SL will lose Rs. 260 mil a day by remaining on UK’s red list: WTTC

Sri Lanka’s continuing to remain on the red list of the United Kingdom (UK) will result in a revenue bleed since for every single day it stays on the disruptive and damaging travel list, the island nation would lose over Rs. 260 million, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) said.

Emirates to resume Colombo – Male route from 1 September

The flag carrier of the UAE, Emirates Airlines announced it will resume daily services between Colombo – Male starting 1 September.

Namal assures no tax on e-platforms

As a surge in online transaction volume is expected with the rise in Covid-19 cases and casualties in the country, Minister Development Co-ordination and Monitoring, and State Minister Digital Technology and Enterprise Development Namal Rajapaksa assured that no tax will be imposed on online platforms.

Lanka Sathosa and cooperatives will remain open to public

Lanka Sathosa and cooperatives will remain open throughout the country although the government is tightening travel measures to tackle the spread of Covid-19 in the country, Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardena said.

SL enters into a Rs. 61bn term facility agreement with China

Sri Lanka entered into an agreement today with China Development Bank for an Rs. 61 billion term facility

EPF Department closed due to several staff testing Covid-19 positive

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) announced today the closure of the Public Relations Counters of Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) Department until further notice as several staff members have tested positive for Covid-19.

Uber offers 50,000 free rides to support SL’s govt. vaccination drive

Taxi hailing app Uber announced today it will provide 50,000 free rides for citizens travelling to vaccination centers across Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara districts.