UL brings down Indian delegation on familiarisation tour

In an effort to recommence tourist arrivals from India under the bio-bubble concept, Sri Lanka has recently welcomed a delegation from the neighbouring giant for a familiarisation tour of the island nation.

Rupee gains sharply against US dollar

The Sri Lankan Rupee further appreciated today with the selling rate of a US dollar recovering to Rs.191.97 from Friday’s (16) Rs. 201.28.

Cabraal briefs Chief Prelates on Port City Commission Bill

On the instructions of President and the Prime Minister, State Minister of Finance Ajith Nivard Cabraal visited today the Asgiriya Chapter, the Malwathu Chapter and the Chief Prelates of the Amarapura and Ramanna Maha Nikayas and briefed them on the proposed Port City Economic Commission Bill.

Rupee eases to Rs. 201.28 against US dollar

The Sri Lankan Rupee witnessed a recovery today by easing to Rs. 201.28 against the US dollar.

Maldives to offer holidaymakers vaccines on arrival

Maldives will soon offer visitors vaccinations on arrival as part of its three-pronged initiative aimed at reviving the country’s hard hit travel sector, according to its tourism minister.

Rupee dips to Rs. 204.62 against dollar

The Sri Lankan rupee dipped further today against the US dollar, as the selling rate of a dollar was recorded at Rs.204.62.

Sri Lanka and India to kick off joint research in science and tech

Sri Lanka and India have taken a progressive step to integrate expertise in the area of science and technology with scientists from both the nations gearing up to undertake joint research.

Swarnamahal Financial Services business suspended

The Monetary Board of the Central Bank has suspended the business of Swarnamahal Financial Services PLC (SFSP) with effect from 5.00 p.m. yesterday (April 12) due to the company’s deteriorating financial condition and non-availability of a viable revival plan.

Rupee plunges to new low against US dollar

The Sri Lankan rupee hit a new record low today against the US dollar, as the selling rate of a dollar was recorded at Rs.203.73.

Singapore Airlines to increase flight frequency to Sri Lanka

From 01 May 2021, Singapore Airlines will increase its flight frequency to Sri Lanka from 3 times to 5 times weekly, operating the Airbus 350-900MH aircraft.

No IMF bail-out though various other discussions ongoing: CB

While Sri Lanka frequently engages with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for technical assistance, and the two parties are also planning for the upcoming Article IV consultations towards the end of this year, the Central Bank reiterated that no discussions are held to the effect of a programme in the style of Balance of Payment support.

Rupee dips further against dollar

The Sri Lanka rupee dipped further to a new low today against the US dollar with the selling rate plunging to Rs.203.59 per dollar.

SriLankan Catering gets new CEO

CB issues fresh warning against usage of virtual currencies

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) today issued a fresh warning to those interested in investing in virtual currencies (VCs) stressing that currently there are no regulatory safeguards relating to the usage, investment or dealing in VCs in Sri Lanka.

Inside of BIA goes live on Google Indoor Maps

Google Indoor Maps was launched at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) today, becoming the first indoor facility to enable this feature in Sri Lanka.

Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill presented to P’ment

The Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill, which will declare Colombo Port City (CPC) as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), and under which a five-member Commission with sweeping powers will be appointed to administer it, was presented to Parliament a while ago.

Electricity consumers will be paid interest on security deposit: PUCSL

Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has announced that interest will be paid to electricity consumers on their deposits made when applying for connections.

IMF slashes SL’s economic growth forecast to 4%

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has slashed Sri Lanka’s economic growth rate forecast for this year 4 percent from 5.3 percent it forecasted in October, 2020.

Rupee hits new record low against dollar

The Sri Lanka rupee slumped further to a new low today against the US dollar with the selling rate plunging to Rs. 203.50 per dollar. The previous lowest was Rs. 202.88, which was recorded yesterday, April 7.

Govt. seeks persons with int’l reputation for Port City Commission

Following the enactment of Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill, which is expected before end of this month, the government expects to advertise internationally to select members for the high-powered seven-member Economic Commission, a top government official said.

Rupee slumps further against the US dollar

The Sri Lanka rupee slumped further to a new low today against the US dollar with the selling rate plunging to Rs.202.88 per dollar. The previous lowest was Rs.202.70, which was recorded yesterday, April 6.

SL gets own localised food price tracker - ’Bath Curry Indicator’

Sri Lanka today saw the launch of its own localised food tracker ‘Bath Curry Indicator’ (BCI), a spin on the popular ‘Big Mac Index’ conceptualised by The Economist in 1986.

High-speed internet key to uplift rural economy: Prez

High-speed internet for rural areas must be prioritized to ensure the establishment and advancement of industries across the country, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said a short while ago

Malaysia irked by Sri Lanka’s palm oil import ban

Malaysia, one of the two key sources from where Sri Lanka imports palm oil, appears to have been visibly irked by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s move to ban palm oil imports.

Import restrictions on ceramic imports to be relaxed soon

The government intends remove the current import restrictions on tile and sanitary ware soon and Sri Lanka will locally produce 80 percent of its tile requirement by 2022, State Minister of Finance, Money, Capital Markets and State Enterprise reforms Ajith Nivard Cabraal told Parliament this week.

Rupee hits fresh low; selling rate at Rs.202.70 per dollar

Sri Lanka rupee hit a new low today against the US dollar as the selling rate plunged to Rs.202.70 per dollar. The previous lowest was Rs.202.10, which was recorded on April 1.

Customs, banks instructed not to facilitate palm oil imports

The Imports and Exports Control Department has issued a directive to all commercial banks and Sri Lanka Customs to not to facilitate the processes of palm oil importation with immediate effect.

Unlimited internet facility to be launched next week: TRCSL

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) today announced that service providers are gearing up to unveil their unlimited internet packages by next week.

Discussions ongoing with investors to set up vehicle assembly plants

Several investments to set up vehicle assembling plants in Sri Lanka are in the pipeline, while the government will promote vehicle value addition in the country, State Minister of Finance, Money Capital Markets and State Enterprise Reforms, Ajith Niward Cabral told Parliament this week.

CSE approves the first Empower Board listing

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has approved, an application submitted by Chrissworld Limited, for the listing of its Ordinary Voting Shares by way of an offer for subscription on the Empower Board of the CSE.