The World Bank has found that more than a quarter of Sri Lanka’s population is living in poverty,according to its latest publication. Titled ‘World Bank Update: Bridges to Recovery’ released last week (April 2) shows that poverty has increased over the past four years—from 11 percent in 2019 to almost 26 percent in 2024 in Sri Lanka. […]

The assistance of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to help Sri Lanka recover from the crisis will be aligned with the strategic objectives of the Bank’s country partnership strategy (CPS) 2024–2028, Takafumi Kadono, Country Director, Sri Lanka Resident Mission, ADB said. Mr. Kadono made this comment at the ‘Serendipity Knowledge Programme’ (SKOP) held on April […]

LOLC Finance PLC, Sri Lanka’s premier Non-Banking Financial Institution (NBFI), has once again set a remarkable milestone in the digital finance landscape by clinching an outstanding five gold awards at the prestigious Lankapay Technnovation Awards 2024. This exceptional achievement fortifies LOLC Finance’s utmost expertise and innovation in the realm of digital financing, further emphasizing its ...

Sri Lanka anticipates the third tranche of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) extended fund facility by June, according to State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe. However, the country must first obtain consensus from the country’s creditors on restructuring its debt. “We anticipate the third tranche by June. That’s the standard procedure. After a review, there’s […]

By Lynn Ockersz ‘Sri Lankans are very good at writing plans but nothing very positive has resulted from these efforts over the years. Nevertheless, the country needs a new system of planning and an essential requirement for this is a sound institutional framework coupled with good governance, chairman of the Gamani Corea Foundation (GCF) and […]

By Sanath Nanayakkare Minister of State for Finance Shehan Semasinghe said on Monday that the government is aware of the low deposit interest rate senior citizens are earning on their savings as the policy rates are taking a downward trajectory amid declining inflation and expanded economic activity. He, however, said that interest rate relief cannot […]

In the midst of rising tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, the Defense Minister of Pakistan has issued a stern warning to the Taliban government in Afghanistan. Khwaja Asif, in an interview with Voice of America on March 20, hinted at the possibility of Pakistan blocking the trade corridor that facilitates goods flow between Afghanistan and […]

Money, exchange rates, and money printing are crucial components of a nation’s monetary policy framework, wielding significant influence over economic and financial stability. This intricate relationship between these fundamental factors directly affects financial and economic dynamics. I am going to examine the nexus between these factors, clarifying their roles in the financial system and ...

By Jehan Perera Tracing history and going back to the colonial era, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that despite the adverse impact of world wars and internal conflicts, Sri Lanka has steadfastly upheld its democratic value of ensuring the functioning of both the government and the opposition without interruption.  The president was addressing members of […]

The executive board of the International Monetary Fund confirmed a deal with Egypt to increase its bailout loan from $3 billion to $8 billion, in a move that is meant to shore up the Arab country s economy which is hit by a staggering shortage of foreign currency and soaring inflation.

Empower Her, Empower a Nation Empowering her is to empower a nation. Bringing its deep-rooted values to the spotlight this International Women’s Day, Siyapatha Finance PLC united together to celebrate the collective strength, power and achievement of woman and womanhood across the Island Nation. In hopes of enhancing women’s role in taking leadership, Siyapatha embarked […]

Sri Lanka was optimistic about resolving its debt restructuring issues in the second quarter to secure financing from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as external creditors are reportedly engaging positively, Bloomberg said quoting the country’s state finance minister. “We anticipate a favourable outcome,” stated state minister Shehan Semasinghe during discussions held in L...

By Dr Laksiri Fernando It is not the country per se, but the politicians and the people who are wrong. While politicians should take 70 percent responsibility, the people also should take 30 percent. It is true that these wrongs on the part of the politicians or the people are not limited to Sri Lanka. […]

By Hiran H.Senewiratne The Central Bank has taken steps to remove price controls on rupee lending rates from April 1, amid continuing falls in market rates. The price control order on rupee denominated lending products issued in August 2023 ‘contributed to reducing the overall market lending interest rates and therefore yielded the expected results, Central […]