Business
CB chief sees negative fallouts from IMF deal
ECONOMYNEXT – Central Bank governor Nivard Cabraal said seeking International Monetary Fund (IMF) help to resolve a debt and forex crisis would lead to currency depreciation and sharply higher interest rates, trimming the public sector and privatization of state enterprises.
However several policy corrections, which are usually in IMF deals are already done, he said.
Sri Lanka has been downgraded to CCC by rating agencies indicating higher risk of default as the country printed money to keep rates in a “monetary stimulus” on top of “fiscal stimulus” and lost foreign reserves as the printed money was exchanged for dollar reserves to maintain the exchange rate.
Ministers of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s ruling SLPP coalition has discussed the possibility of the government seeking IMF assistance to resolve the external crisis as it became more difficult to import oil and other goods.
The party had come to power slamming the last administration for going to the IMF, which led to tax hikes.
“If we want, there is no problem going for the IMF. We had gone in 2009. So nobody should think that we hesitate or fear to go,” Cabraal said at a news briefing on Thursday.
“The IMF could tell us to depreciate the rupee, raise the interest rates by 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent further, reduce the number of government sector employees, reduce or curtail pension benefits, and sell various state assets.
“These are some conditions they include in their reform agenda.
“Our view is that we do not need that reform agenda at this juncture. Our view is that without going for that, we can pay back our creditors. Though we see some pressure during this time, we know that will ease in the time ahead.”
The last IMF program failed to impose sufficient controls on the central bank giving it enough room to print money under discretionary flexible inflation targeting and triggered a second currency crisis in 2018 within the program leading to an output shock.
It also failed to impose spending controls on the Treasury ‘under so-called revenue based fiscal consolidation’ sans ‘spending based consolidation’ leading to steep rise in government spending and an increase in state sector pension entitlements.
The currency fall which usually comes a under an IMF program leads to a fall in real wages, a consumption fall, higher unemployment and an economic slowdown – the inevitable consequence of monetary and fiscal excesses – which leads to unhappy voters if elections come before growth recovers.
Cabraal, however, said Sri Lanka itself has been already doing what the IMF might prescribe in a policy package.
“The issue is we need to face the debt problem,” Cabraal said. “The main reason for the debt problem is 6.9 billion US dollars had been borrowed as loans via sovereign bonds to this country from 2018 April to 2019 June. Those loans have put a lot of pressure on the country’s debt.”
“So we have decided to do away with that kind of borrowing and reduce them while using some other borrowing methods. That is what we are doing right now. This will be the same advice the IMF will give us. No other advice they will give.”
“Debt restructuring is basically you change from one instrument to another. This has been done with a deep thought and scientific manner. Since we are already doing it, we do not need external help to do that.”
He also said the government has already taken decisions to change maximum retail prices of commodities.
“In some instances, we have removed them which could be told by the IMF.”
The budget for 2022 had already frozen recruitment raised taxes on companies including turnover based taxes and there were no salary hike for state workers except for striking teachers.
However any IMF programme now is likely to require the float of the currency as a prior action to restore foreign exchange markets.
A five star 100-room Maldivian resort hotel property controlled by Browns Investments PLC has been disposed for USD 57.5 million, Browns Investment said in a stock exchange filing on Friday. The company had previously disclosed in September that the deal was in the pipeline pending completion of precedent conditions.
The property. Barcelo’ Whale Lagoon Maldives, belonged to Browns Ari Resort (Private) Ltd., a subsidiary of Browns investments, was purchased by ASB Hotel Properties Maldives Private Ltd.
“The transaction was completed following the satisfaction of the conditions precedent set out in the Sale and Purchase Agreement, for a total consideration of USD 57,500,000,” the filing said. The price was considered “significant” but was not the highest in the Maldives where high end hotel properties command top dollar.
Browns Investments (BIL) has a significant presence in the Maldives, developing multiple properties, notably through partnerships with Spain’s Barceló Hotel Group for projects like Barceló Whale Lagoon (now sold), Barceló Nasandhura (city hotel/apartments), and the Bodufaru Beach Resort (a major integrated project with three hotels) in North Male Lagoon, with BIL aiming to be a major Sri Lankan hotel operator in the Maldives with large room capacity.
BIL’s key Maldives projects are:
Bodufaru Beach Resort: A large-scale development in North Male Atoll with three five-star hotels, a significant undertaking with Barceló Hotel Group and Syno Hydro Corporation.
Nasandhura Palace Hotel (Barceló Nasandhura): A luxury city hotel and apartment complex in Male, managed by Barceló.
Strategy & Partners:
Browns Investments partners with Barceló Hotel Group, a Spanish hotel chain, for management and investment in their Maldivian properties.
The company aims to become the largest Sri Lankan hotel investor and operator in the Maldives, significantly expanding its room keys in the region, as described on the Browns Investment website.
Browns Investments is actively developing and managing luxury hotel properties in the Maldives, focusing on large integrated resorts and city hotels, leveraging international partnerships to grow its presence in the high-end tourism market, according to the company.
Business
Marketing Alumni Association of USJ Outlines Strategic Vision to Strengthen the Future of Marketing in Sri Lanka
The Marketing Alumni Association (MAA) of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ) set out its strategic direction for the year ahead at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 10 December 2025. The event brought together academic representatives from the Department of Marketing Management and a strong contingent of alumni, providing a platform to review the association’s progress and reaffirm its commitment to advancing the marketing profession in Sri Lanka.
As the official body representing graduates of the Department of Marketing Management of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, the MAA has, over the past 25 years, supported a network of more than 1,500 marketing professionals who now hold influential roles in leading private and public sector organizations. The association remains committed to elevating the standing of the Japura Marketing degree by strengthening industry partnerships, supporting academic excellence, and fostering a high-performing alumni community.
A key focus of the AGM was the appointment of Oshadee Withanawasam as President of the MAA for the upcoming term (2025-2027). In his inaugural address, Mr. Withanawasam emphasized the importance of strategic leadership, industry relevance, and collaborative growth in positioning USJ and its alumni at the forefront of marketing innovation in Sri Lanka.
Over the past year, the MAA has intensified its engagement efforts through a series of high-impact initiatives. The Kings and Queens Dinner Dance 2025, which brought together over 200 members, strengthened camaraderie within the alumni network. On the academic front, the association’s flagship ‘Fine Touch’ guest lecture series, conducted in partnership with the Department of Marketing Management, USJ, continued to offer undergraduates valuable exposure to industry best practices and emerging trends.
A significant milestone for the association was the launch of its first structured mentoring program for undergraduates of the department. This initiative marks a notable advancement in bridging academic training with practical corporate experience, equipping students with the competencies required to excel in a competitive business environment.
The MAA also continued to deliver meaningful social impact through its ‘Bring a Smile’ initiative, which has supported rural schoolchildren for three consecutive years (2023–2025) by providing essential stationery supplies. Further strengthening its commitment to education, the association introduced a scholarship scheme in 2024 to support deserving undergraduates pursuing their higher education in marketing.
During the AGM, outgoing President Dr. Darshana Jayasinghe and the Head of the Department of Marketing Management of USJ, Prof. Sandamali Galdolage, commended the association’s continued progress and reiterated their support for its long-term vision.
The following office bearers were appointed for the new term: Oshadee Withanawasam (President), Amitha Amarasinghe (Deputy President), Nipuni Karunarathna (Vice President), Vimukthi Kaushalya (Secretary), Thisaru Menake (Assistant Secretary), Nuwan Indika (Treasurer), and Thilanka Kalpage (Assistant Treasurer). Committee Members for the term include Prof. Ashoka Malkanthie, Chandra Kodithuwakku, Manuri Jayasinghe, Champika Vincent, Naleendra Yasassri Perera, Kaushan Agalawatte, Chandranath Gamage, and Pamudi Ketawalage.
Dr. Darshana Jayasinghe and Lalith Sumanasiri will serve as Advisors, while Prof. Sandamali Galdolage, Manojee Dabare, and Prof. Lalith Chandralal will continue as Trustees of the MAA.
A graduation ceremony for 18 Certified Sales Training Consultants, qualified to mentor aspiring marketing professionals and enhance standards in the country’s sales sector, was held recently at the Bandaranaike International Conference Hall.
The graduates represent the first phase of a programme aimed at producing 50 Certified Sales Training Consultants nationwide. The training and certification were conducted by the Asian College of Sales and Marketing (ACSM).
According to ACSM Director and Learning Consultant Sugath Munasinghe, the need for professionally certified sales training consultants to raise the quality and effectiveness of the sales sector has been identified for some time. He added that ACSM, as a higher education institute, will continue to provide structured training and certification to meet this demand.
Showers will occur in the Eastern, Uva and Central provinces and in Polonnaruwa and Hambantota districts.
Steps are being taken to abolish the Executive Presidency and establish a Parliamentary System of Government – Prime Minister
The full speech delivered by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Parliament (2025-12-19)
Lawyers slam NPP Mayor for claiming judicial powers
Electricity consumers oppose going to WB to cover CEB losses from Ditwah, instead of using funds in its kitty
PM rejects Hakeem’s call for involving ex-Presidents for disaster fundraising
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
Midweek Review4 days agoHow massive Akuregoda defence complex was built with proceeds from sale of Galle Face land to Shangri-La
-
News3 days agoPakistan hands over 200 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Lanka
-
News3 days agoPope fires broadside: ‘The Holy See won’t be a silent bystander to the grave disparities, injustices, and fundamental human rights violations’
-
News4 days agoBurnt elephant dies after delayed rescue; activists demand arrests
-
Editorial4 days agoColombo Port facing strategic neglect
-
News2 days agoArmy engineers set up new Nayaru emergency bridge
-
Business2 days agoUnlocking Sri Lanka’s hidden wealth: A $2 billion mineral opportunity awaits
-
News4 days agoSri Lanka, Romania discuss illegal recruitment, etc.