CBSL issues guidelines on accepting payments from tourists/non-SL residents

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) issued to tourism service providers today the set of guidelines to follow when transacting with tourists and non-residents of Sri Lanka.

Ceylon Tea Wine soon to hit global markets

Ceylon Tea Wine will soon hit the shelves of global markets with the Tea Research Institute (TRI) calling for an Expression of Interest (EoI) to kick off the manufacturing process of the value-added product.

Bookings for intra-European travel witness a boost amidst pandemic

Bookings for intra-European travel over the Easter period have increased by more than 250 percent, while summer bookings are currently 80 percent above 2021 levels, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) said.

CBSL to take further policy measures to assist economic recovery

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) announced today that it will take further policy measures to strengthen macroeconomic stability and pave the way for a gradual recovery in the economy.

IFAD-funded programme for smallholder tea & rubber extended

The Cabinet of Ministers yesterday announced its decision to extend the Smallholder Tea and Rubber Revitalization Programme funded International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) till the end of 2022.

Oman biz fraternity to partake in ‘The Sri Lanka Export Brands’ at Expo 2020

Oman biz fraternity to partake in ‘The Sri Lanka Export Brands’ at Expo 2020

SL settles US$ 500mn ISB obligation

Sri Lanka has settled a US$ 500 million International Sovereign Bond (ISB) which matured today.

Pharma Chamber warns of disastrous medicine shortages

India confirms a SAARC currency swap up to US $ 400mn

India has confirmed its support to Sri Lanka by way of a currency swap under the SAARC arrangement and a deferment of a previous loan.

Not so happy new year for container shipping lines

Leading integrated logistics company, Maersk has warned its customers that 2022 will be yet another challenging year as there will be more issues in the global supply chains going forward.

Foreign reserves plummet to US $ 1.6bn

The foreign exchange reserves held by the Central Bank has touched a fresh low in November after continuously falling for last three months, on account of foreign currency obligations, which came up for retirement, stoking serious concerns over the ability of the country to ride over the foreign debt crisis without a hard landing of its economy. According to the latest o

Microsoft launches Imagine Cup 2022 for young developers worldwide

American multinational technology corporation, Microsoft Corp, yesterday launched the Imagine Cup competition 2022 for student developers across the world.

Budget 2020 a ‘stop-gap’ budget: IPS chief

Economic policy think-tank, the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) yesterday called Budget 2022 a “stop-gap” budget rather than one that would set the framework for revenue mobilization, which is imperative given the current juncture the national economy stands at.

Over 200 farmers receive assistance from EDB to obtain intl. organic certification

A total of five farmer groups consisting of 254 farmers has been able to obtain organic certification from internationally accredited certification bodies and are able to have improved access to international markets following the implementation of the organic certification assistance scheme implemented by the Export Development Board (EDB).

Atman Group makes a strategic investment in Taprobane Seafoods

Taprobane Seafoods, Sri Lanka’s largest and most integrated seafood company is excited to announce its partnership with the Atman Group.

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.

South Africa and South America added to SL’s travel ban list

The Ministry of Tourism and Aviation announced a short while ago that travellers from South Africa and South America will not be able to disembark in Sri Lanka’s international airports with immediate effect.

UK no more potential source for SL tourism

Sri Lanka would no longer be able to target tourists from the UK as a decision has been taken to place the island nation on the red list.

Lanka Sathosa open from today

State owned retail network Lanka Sathosa will be open across the island from today as directed by the government to ensure the masses have access to food and essential items during the ongoing restriction period.

Litro Gas Lanka to set up oxygen manufacturing plant in Kerawalapitiya

Sri Lanka’s largest importer and supplier of LP gas, Litro Gas Lanka is gearing up to establish an oxygen manufacturing plant and distribution network in Kerawalapitiya

SEC grants listed entities extension to submit financial statements

Capital market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has granted a one-month extension to listed companies to release financial statements as requested by the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE).

SLAITO launches helpline to assist peers in hard hit tourism sector

The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) announced the launch of a helpline for its members, an avenue established to allow those in the industry to reach out for assistance to steer through the recurring challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

No shortage of salt due to sea contamination from X-Press Pearl: Gammanpila

Sri Lanka will not face a shortage of salt, assured Minister Udaya Gammanpila while addressing the Cabinet briefing session today.

Emirates SkyCargo transports 50,000 doses of Sputnik V from Moscow to Colombo

As Sri Lanka began expanding its COVID-19 vaccination programme beyond the Western Province, Emirates SkyCargo supported the process by transporting a consignment of Sputnik V vaccines from Russia to Colombo.

Sri Lanka to open Airports tomorrow

Sri Lanka will allow passenger travel to its international airports from 1 June, State Minister of Aviation D. V. Chanaka announced a short while ago, however, visitors from Vietnam will not be allowed to disembark due to the identification of a new COVID-19 variant.

Global cold chain logistics market for pharma to grow by over US $ 9bn by 2024

The global cold chain logistics market for pharmaceuticals is expected to grow by US$ 9.48 billion during 2020-2024, revealed a report launched by Technavio today.

Students in South Asia most impacted from pandemic: ADB

Students in South Asia are most impacted due to closures stemming from the global pandemic and have lost 55 percent of a year in learning since COVID-19 struck.

UL ups flight frequency to Singapore

SriLankan Airlines announced today its decision to increase the frequency of passenger flights on Colombo-Singapore route.

IMF Resident Representative pays courtesy call on State Minister of Finance Cabraal

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Resident Representative to Sri Lanka Tubagus Feridhanusetyawan paid a courtesy call on the State Minister of Finance, Capital Markets and Public Enterprise Reforms Ajith Nivard Cabraal at the Finance Ministry.

Committee to probe into wrongdoings at state banks

Finance Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa received the nod of the Cabinet of Ministers today to appoint a committee to look into the irregularities and malpractices that were said to have taken place in the state-owned banks during the period the previous government was in power.