Economic

කොවිඩ් මර්දන ක්‍රියාවලියට අවශ්‍ය පෞද්ගලික ආරක්ෂණ උපකරණ නිෂ්පාදනය කිරීම සඳහා ශ්‍රී ලාංකික ඇඟලුම් කර්මාන්තකරුවන්ට ඇණවුම් ලබාදීමට ඇමරිකා එක්සත් ජනපදය එකඟතාව පළකර ඇත.

To strengthen quality and preserve originality, the Export Development Board (EDB) has kicked-off licencing of ‘Ceylon Spices’ trademark for qualifying producers, processors and exporters of cinnamon, pepper, clove, nutmeg and mace as well as cardamom.

Cargills (Ceylon) PLC and CT Holdings PLC have announced moves to re-purchase shares of the respective companies on a pro-rata basis up to a maximum of 5% within one year.

A potential Government formed by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) would champion a business-friendly environment free from corruption and social ills, National Organiser Basil Rajapaksa said, calling on the business community to join in a “decade of development.”

The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) yesterday welcomed the latest update of the UK travel advice on Sri Lanka, noting that it is timely and positive news for the industry. “This is very positive news for our travel industry and very timely. Although we may not see an immediate impact on arrivals as the country is closed for foreign visitors at the moment, it is an endorsement of the great steps taken by the country collectively in handling the virus and builds confidence for future travellers who are interested in visiting the country,” THASL said in a statement.

The Central Bank is ratcheting up the rolling out of the Saubagya COVID-19 Renaissance Facility, expanding its approvals in the last two weeks by 3,985 new loans amounting to Rs.11.8 billion and taking the total value of approved loans to Rs.72 billion.

The Government has announced wide-ranging tax exemptions for the Colombo International Financial Center (CIFC) Mixed Development Project within the upcoming Colombo Port City.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) on Friday in a statement justified the $ 1 billion equivalent repurchase (repo) facility with the US Federal Reserve.

The Colombo stock market closed on a positive note yesterday, enabling it to end the week on a similar note with a late rally in investor sentiments.

Central Bank has raised $ 100 million via latest issuance of Sri Lanka Development Bonds (SLDBs).

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) on Friday denied Opposition claims that it was pledging US Treasury Securities worth USD 4.5 billion to obtain a credit facility of USD one billion.

Three beautification projects for Colombo and Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, including a new green infrastructure project for Galle Face Green, was approved by the Cabinet this week.

The Central Bank yesterday said it is discussion with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to secure an additional $ 1 billion, under a Special Bilateral Swap Agreement.

The Attorney General has informed that the Draft Circular Instructions issued to the Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) with regard to controlling COVID-19 during elections are contrary to law.

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) yesterday issued a ban on the use of paddy and rice for the production of animal feed.

Largest-ever BASEL III, Tier 2 compliant, subordinated debenture in Sri Lanka signifies investor confidence in State Bank

Twenty-three port services related trade unions are awaiting a meeting with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to discuss the fate of the East Container Terminal (ECT) of the Colombo Port, following a protest march yesterday to the Presidential Secretariat.

Compensation payments to the depositors of ETI Finance Limited (ETIFL) and Swarnamahal Financial Services PLC (SFSP) will begin this Saturday, the Central Bank said yesterday, with applications to be handed over to selected branches of People’s Bank.