Curfew enforced in Gampaha District until 5 a.m. on Monday Several areas in Kalutara District declared isolated towns until further notice Curfew continues in Kuliyapitiya, Pannala, Giriulla, Narammala, and Dummalasuriya Police jurisdictions 166 more persons test positive including 49 from Peliyagoda Fish Market, forcing its closure Manning Market too closed until … [Read more...] about COVID rise triggers more clampdowns
Business
Catch-22 for 20A
By Uditha Jayasinghe and Chandani Kirinde The highly contentious 20th Amendment with changes approved by Cabinet on Monday comes up for a two-day debate from today onwards in Parliament amidst mounting criticism by the Opposition, certain sections of clergy, civil society and professionals. Ahead of the parliamentary debate, Cabinet approved three changes including maintaining … [Read more...] about Catch-22 for 20A
Road map needed for targeted COVID-19 recovery: IPS
New IPS report calls for robust Govt. road map to underpin targeted recovery polices Road map will help bypass risks and mitigate disruptions Says upcoming Budget 2021 should not miss opportunity to exact policies for resilient recovery and sustained growth Reviving livelihoods of poor critical to recovery, but warns will take time Planned strategy would also … [Read more...] about Road map needed for targeted COVID-19 recovery: IPS
Demutualisation of the Colombo Stock Exchange
A demutualised stock exchange would assist in creating a share owning democracy, complementing the Sri Lankan economy, and be a compliment to the economy of Sri Lanka - Pic by Sameera Wijesinghe The genesisWith the extinction of the coffee plantation and the introduction of tea to Sri Lanka, the need arose for British planters, who put in all their funds into the coffee … [Read more...] about Demutualisation of the Colombo Stock Exchange
Cash in billions for COVID-hit biz
Over 40,000 get Rs. 133b out of 178 b approved for 62,000 applicants from Saubagya COVID-19 Renaissance facility Bank of Ceylon leads in approvals and disbursements Leading private sector banks follow suit Given high demand, CB approves beyond original limit of Rs. 150 b Thousands of COVID-hit businesses have been supported so far with billions in cash combined under … [Read more...] about Cash in billions for COVID-hit biz
Budget 2021, a thrust for development – Cabraal
The 2021 Budget will spell out the thrust for new development initiatives that will be unleashed over the next five years to achieve higher economic growth and prosperity for the country, Money, Capital Markets and State Enterprise Reforms, Minister Ajith Nivard Cabraal told Sunday Observer Business on Friday. He said the focus areas of the next budget will be all mega … [Read more...] about Budget 2021, a thrust for development – Cabraal
Exporters optimistic of biz growth in next 12 months
Exporters’ outlook for business and economy improves, says USAID-CCC COVID-19 impact survey 3-week survey that began in mid-Sept. shows optimism of economic recovery Operations were heading back to normal but new market opportunities low 53% of firms had returned to normal operations, 64% were above 60% capacity Over 70% of those surveyed had resumed full payment of … [Read more...] about Exporters optimistic of biz growth in next 12 months
Crysbro leads charge in uplifting rural economy by creating new employment opportunities
Affirming its continued commitment to empowering the rural economy and its dependents, Sri Lanka’s largest and leading poultry producer Crysbro continues to create fresh employment opportunities through its numerous factories and farms in operation throughout the island – particularly in the Eastern Province.The locales in which Crysbro has invested in have all been affected … [Read more...] about Crysbro leads charge in uplifting rural economy by creating new employment opportunities
Sound fiscal policy should be Govt. priority: Leading economist
Righting fiscal policy the major need for next three years, says IPS Executive Director Fixing fiscal ills will create investor confidence, improve reserves and promote debt sustainability Also assist Govt. to support poor during crisis such as COVID-19 Expects Budget 2021 to set goals on fiscal consolidation Says import restrictions an emergency measure, should be … [Read more...] about Sound fiscal policy should be Govt. priority: Leading economist
Boosting local industries: Government walks the talk
Finance Ministry issues new circular to all Govt. and State sector entities, listing preference to local manufacturers and suppliers when procurements contracts are awarded New procurement guidelines by far the most explicit and emphatic support to date by a government to local manufacturers and service providers Move will help prevent outflow of foreign exchange … [Read more...] about Boosting local industries: Government walks the talk
