Business

‘2025 Budget targets inclusive growth through bold reforms’

Published

1 year ago

2025/02/20

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce welcomes bold proposals in the budget that align with its recommendations, Sri Lanka Economic Summit discussions, and Vision 2030 goals. The 2025 Budget focuses on stability, governance, public relief, tackling corruption, and driving inclusive growth. The Budget emphasises infrastructure expansion through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and digital economy initiatives, providing a strong foundation for transformation.

The Chamber appreciates the Government’s recognition of the need to reform the Customs Ordinance and the implementation of the National Single Window, both crucial for enhancing trade facilitation and improving the ease of doing business. We also acknowledge the planned implementation of the Economic Transformation Act with amendments and the introduction of legislation on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). Timely execution of these reforms will create a more conducive environment for private sector investment in key sectors such as ports, tourism, and infrastructure, as highlighted in the budget speech.

Policy Continuity: Taxation and Fiscal Framework

The Chamber commends the Government for maintaining policy consistency by retaining the existing tax framework and avoiding ad-hoc tax measures to match the expenditure proposals. Adhering to the Public Financial Management Act, which caps primary expenditure at 13% of GDP, is a positive step toward rebuilding investor confidence and strengthening Sri Lanka’s global credit standing. Ensuring tax stability during the year and simplifying compliance will be crucial for fostering a competitive business environment.

Bold Reforms Requires

Timely Implementation

The above-mentioned bold reforms require time-bound implementation to translate the Budget’s vision into a reality that will be felt by the public. For example, projects like the National Single Window which has been a request from the private sector for over two decades require commitment by the Government on the implementation plan.

The Chamber welcomes the plan to establish a holding company for SOEs, aligning with global best practices to improve governance, financial discipline, and efficiency. Its success will depend on clear timelines, independent oversight, and transparency. The focus on digitalisation and e-governance is also a positive step, with initiatives like the Unique Digital ID and the setup of an Apex Digital Economy Authority to reduce bureaucracy and enhance transparency.

Specific Proposals Require Consultation Prior to Implementation

The transition from the current SVAT system to a risk-based refund system requires careful execution, including stress-tested pilot programmes to ensure a robust and efficient refund process. The changes to the minimum wage for private sector should be carried out in a consultative process and align with business sustainability and broader labour reforms that advocate for higher women’s economic participation and flexible work.

The budget prioritises investment-driven growth but needs stronger support for MSMEs, vital for jobs and resilience. While Rs. 254 billion is allocated for agriculture, a clear strategy for modernisation, value chains, and climate resilience, is crucial. Policies on sustainable farming, irrigation, and private-sector agro-processing, must be strengthened to counter climate change impacts.

Alignment with Chamber Recommendations and Vision 2030

The Government’s emphasis on investment-led growth, trade, digital transformation, and public sector reform, align with the Ceylon Chamber’s recommendations. While the 2025 budget effectively addresses fiscal consolidation, investment facilitation, and governance, its success depends on efficient time-bound implementation, policy stability, and stakeholder collaboration. The Chamber remains committed to working with the Government to refine and execute these policies, ensuring a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive economy.

All News Advertisement

Business

Embedding human rights, equity and integrity into business leadership

Published

24 hours ago

2026/03/5

Sahan Weerasooriya

Rathika de Silva, Executive Director

At its 2026 Social Sustainability Programme Kick-Off, the UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka convened business leaders to advance the translation of global ambition into practical corporate action on inclusion, integrity and human rights.

On 24 February 2026, the UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka (Network Sri Lanka) convened business leaders at Barefoot Garden Café for its 2026 Social Sustainability Programme Kick-Off, delivered in collaboration with Good Life X.

The gathering did more than introduce a calendar of events. It positioned Sri Lanka’s corporate community within the broader direction of the UN Global Compact’s 2026–2030 global strategy — a strategy anchored in three imperatives: equipping companies to act, catalyzing collective action, and advancing the business case for responsible leadership.

At its core, the 2026 Social Sustainability agenda is designed to move companies from commitment to capability.

Within the Diversity & Inclusion Working Group, this means building practical pathways toward equal pay for equal work and strengthening male allyship as a governance issue rather than a cultural afterthought. It means examining sexual and reproductive health, disability inclusion, and mental health not as employee benefits, but as structural determinants of productivity and retention. It means sharpening strategic communications so inclusion is embedded in brand integrity. It also means applying science-based behavioural change approaches to shift organizational culture in measurable ways.

Across the Business & Human Rights Working Group, equipping companies takes the form of deepened engagement on decent work and living wage implementation, strengthening human rights due diligence processes, and addressing emerging risk areas such as AI and digital rights. It extends to reinforcing business integrity and anti-corruption frameworks, understanding the social dimensions of a just transition, and recognizing the link between child rights, nutrition, and workforce productivity.

Business

Union Bank to raise LKR 3 Bn via Basel III Compliant Debenture Issue

Published

24 hours ago

2026/03/5

Sahan Weerasooriya

Shanka Abeywardene

Union Bank of Colombo PLC announced its proposed Debenture Issue 2026, a strategic move aimed at raising up to LKR 3 billion. This issue is designed to bolster the Bank’s Tier II capital base and provide a robust financial foundation for its upcoming growth initiatives.

The offering consists of Basel III compliant, listed, rated, unsecured, subordinated, redeemable high-yield debentures with Non-Viability Conversion. The instrument has been assigned a rating of BB (lka) by Fitch Ratings (Lanka) Ltd, reflecting the bank’s creditworthiness and the structured nature of the subordinated debt.

Investors can choose from three distinct interest structures starting from a high-yield 13% fixed rate per annum (Type A). This option is paid annually, while Type B offers a 12.5% fixed rate paid semi-annually (12.89% AER). For those seeking market-linked returns, Type C provides a floating rate of the 182-days Treasury Bill rate plus a 400-basis point margin, also paid semi-annually.

The debentures are priced at LKR 100 per unit with a 5-year tenure (2026–2031). The initial issue size is set at 20,000,000 debentures with an option to raise 10,000,000 at the discretion of the Bank and is scheduled to open on 10 March 2026.

Shanka Abeywardene, Chief Financial Officer of Union Bank stated “This debenture issue marks a significant step in the Bank’s journey towards enhanced financial stability. By strengthening its capital adequacy, Union Bank is well-positioned to navigate evolving market conditions while fuelling its long-term strategic objectives for sustainable growth”

Business

Sanjay Kulatunga appointed to WindForce Board

Published

24 hours ago

2026/03/5

Sahan Weerasooriya

Sanjay Kulatunga

WindForce PLC announced the appointment of Sanjay Kulatunga as an Independent, Non-Executive Director to its Board with effect from 03rd March 2026, following the resignation of Dilshan Hettiaratchi. The appointment further strengthens the Company’s governance framework, strategic oversight, and long-term decision-making capabilities.

Kulatunga brings an established track record as a founder, entrepreneur, and senior executive across financial services and export-oriented industries. He is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of LYNEAR Wealth Management, a boutique investment firm established in 2013, which has since grown to become one of Sri Lanka’s largest private wealth management institutions, serving high-net-worth individuals as well as local and international institutional clients.

Prior to founding LYNEAR, Kulatunga played a pivotal role in the establishment of Amba Research, an investment research offshoring firm rooted in Sri Lanka and now operating as part of Acuity Analytics.

Over the years, he has contributed extensively to several key national institutions. His previous appointments include serving on the Financial Sector Stability Consultative Committee of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, as well as the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka.