Business

Implementation seen as key to Budget 2025’s success

Published

1 year ago

2025/02/21

Thilina Walpola

The panel of experts at the National Chamber of Commerce forum

By Ifham Nizam

Despite the 2025 budget’s optimistic outlook, implementation remains the key to its success, warned Nandika Buddhipala, Chief Financial Officer of Commercial Bank PLC.

Speaking at a post budget seminar on Wednesday organized by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, Buddhipala stressed that while tax reforms and fiscal discipline are necessary, businesses will need clarity on regulatory frameworks—especially concerning VAT changes, investment incentives and trade policies.

In response to a question posed by The Island Financial Review, he added: “Budget 2025 sets the foundation for growth, but execution will be the true test. If we can manage debt effectively, encourage exports and attract investors, we can create a resilient economy.”

Buddhipala added: “We appreciate the government’s efforts in aligning the budget with the Public Finance Management Act and the IMF Debt Sustainability Framework. However, it is critical that we remain aware of the persistent debt servicing and interest cost burden.

“Sri Lanka’s high borrowing costs mean that interest payments remain a significant portion of government expenditure. Policymakers should adopt concrete plans for reducing this burden while ensuring economic stability.

“We must create an environment that fosters exports and attracts FDI. The emphasis should be on trade-oriented sectors rather than industries that do not contribute to foreign exchange earnings.

“The government’s aims to strengthen ties with ASEAN nations through participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), is a move that could boost trade and investment opportunities.

“We need to expand Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) beyond the current 46 countries. This would increase investor confidence and facilitate smoother trade flows.

“The proposed Development Bank, which seeks to provide financial support for SMEs and new entrepreneurs, is a positive step but access to finance must be streamlined.

“Providing tailored financial solutions for SMEs is essential. However, ensuring that the Development Bank is efficiently integrated into the existing banking system will determine its success.

“This budget is a strategic response to economic challenges. We need to strike a balance between private sector-driven growth and state intervention to ensure stability and equitable distribution of wealth.”

Meanwhile an official explained in response to another query raised by this newspaper: “The first reading of the budget, which will be followed by a month-long discussion in a budget-related forum, aims to clarify ambiguities and refine implementation strategies. There are a lot of concerns regarding implementation, but this one-month period allows us to fine-tune certain aspects.”

A senior Finance Ministry representative added the following: “We have to consider international expectations and commitments, especially in the context of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreements. The recent IMF release of USD 330 million following policy adjustments shows the importance of staying within global economic expectations.

Hasitha Radella of KPMG Sri Lanka, presenting an overview of tax reforms said that as Sri Lanka continues its recovery, the budget is focused on several taxation reforms. Sustained improvements in fiscal management will be key to maintaining growth momentum for the country.

“Clarifications on the Simplified Value Added Tax (SVAT) system and the transition from SVAT to a Risk-Based Refund System that will streamline the VAT refund process to an efficient process are urgent requirements, said Ms. Iyesha Asanthi, Commissioner, Tax Policy & legislation of the Inland Revenue Department.

She said that if any eligible exporter who exports more than 50 percent of total supplies requires VAT refunds under the new risk-based refund system, such a need could be included in a relevant pilot project.

She added that the current VAT threshold is Rs. 15 million per quarter and Rs. 60 million per year at the standard rate 18%. Due to the current situation in the country, the budget proposals of 2025 do not include tax exemptions or concessions. However, the budget proposals made to amend individuals’ tax rates by increasing tax relief from Rs 1.2 million to 1.8 million and the relaxing of tax brackets could benefit individuals, including employees.

Ms. Jayani Wickrama Arachchi, Director, Fiscal Policy Department of Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development said that with the fiscal space being highly constrained, every policy move must be strategic, ensuring key fiscal targets are protected while safeguarding economic stability in the medium term. Interest payments remain a significant burden, accounting for substantial government recurrent expenditure, primarily due to Sri Lanka’s high borrowing costs.

She added: “We need to move ahead despite these challenges.”

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Business

Low-floor buses launched to boost accessible public transport for differently-abled

Published

19 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched last Tuesday (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC).

The service was inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake.

Accordingly, ten specially designed low-floor buses have been introduced into the transport service today. These buses are specially designed so that wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and also expectant women can board the bus with ease, the Transport Ministry said.

Each bus has 30 passenger seats and separate seating areas have been allocated for passengers using wheelchairs.

The pilot project operates on routes from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and from Makumbura to Kadawatha. These routes also cover major hospitals including the Colombo National Hospital and the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.

Speaking at the event, Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that while these buses prioritize the differently-abled community, they will also provide a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers.

He also noted that 122 low-floor buses are planned to be introduced into service before the end of this year, and that in the future the service will be expanded to areas such as Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.

Business

Nestlé Lanka Announces Change in Leadership

Published

19 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Nestlé Lanka Limited has announced the appointment of Manav Sahni as its Chairman and Managing Director effective 01 May 2026. He will be succeeding Bernie Stefan, who will be transitioning to a new global role within the Nestlé Group. Bernie Stefan led Nestlé’s Sri Lankan operations through a particularly challenging time since 2023 – and has successfully guided the company through a strategic turnaround, positioning it on a axis for sustainable growth.

Speaking on his tenure at Nestlé Lanka, Bernie commented “Leading Nestlé Lanka has been a deeply meaningful chapter in my Nestlé journey. I am grateful to have worked alongside an amazing and resilient team that continues to make a difference for Sri Lankans across the country. On a personal note, it was an amazing opportunity to live on this beautiful island and experience firsthand the openness, warmth and kindness of its people, which has been the highlight of my Nestlé career to date. As Nestlé Lanka marks 120 years of enriching Sri Lankan lives, it is especially humbling to reflect on the role we have played in building on this legacy – positively touching individuals and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing our sustainability commitments. I am thankful to my colleagues, partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and trust, and to the wider business community, including through my role as a Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity to reinforce Nestlé’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. I leave very confident in the strength of the team and the journey that lies ahead.”

Manav Sahni brings with him over 18 years of experience in the FMCG & Telecom sector. Prior to taking on the role as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, he has been heading Nestlé’s Dairy business for the South Asia Region, where he expertly managed a highly diverse portfolio, driving sustainable business transformation.

“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan households for generations, and I am excited to work with the team to continue delighting consumers with tasty and nutritious products, while strengthening the positive impact we create through our brands and initiatives.”

Business

Majestic Cineplex Returns Bigger Better and More Immersive

Published

19 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Ceylon Theatres will unveil the newly revamped Majestic Cineplex on the 29th of April 2026, beginning a new chapter for one of Sri Lanka’s best known cinema destinations. Located at Majestic City Colombo, Majestic Cineplex returns with major technology upgrades, enhanced comfort, and a range of premium viewing options, reinforcing Ceylon Theatres’ long standing reputation for raising the bar in cinema entertainment experiences in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the upgraded Cineplex will be completely open to the public from 29th April 2026 onwards.

For generations of moviegoers, Majestic Cineplex has been a landmark venue in Colombo, and its latest transformation brings together the nostalgia of a familiar name with the excitement of a modern cinema experience. Leading the new screen line up is Majestic Platinum, which introduces Sri Lanka’s first and only digital LED cinema screen. Designed to deliver sharper visuals, deeper contrast, richer colour, and outstanding clarity, the auditorium features a 3D 4K Tricorne LED Cinema Screen together with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Majestic Platinum offers 226 seats, including 18 VIP recliner seats for those chasing a premium cinema experience.

The cineplex also features three additional theatres, each designed to offer a high quality movie experience. Majestic Superior includes Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, and 7.1 surround sound, with seating for 150 patrons. Majestic Ultra features the same advanced projection and audio systems with 149 seats. Majestic Gold offers a more private luxury setting with Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, DTSX surround sound, and 30 leather recliner seats, ideal for those looking for the most premium and exclusive experience.

Patrons can also enjoy an upgraded café experience with freshly prepared and ready to eat food available for purchase at the counter, along with convenience of being served to your seat. The new café experience, together with the upgraded theatres make for a more relaxed, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for everyone.

Discussing the relaunch, Ganga Rathuvithana, General Manager Operations at Ceylon Theatres said, “Majestic Cineplex has always been a special part of Colombo’s cinema culture, and we are proud to welcome audiences back with an experience that reflects the future of movie entertainment. We have always believed in investing in the best available technology, from introducing Sri Lanka’s first 3D cinema to now launching the country’s first digital LED cinema screen. Our revamped Majestic Cineplex is designed to give movie lovers something truly special.”