Business
CBSL underscores importance of SL committing to anti-money laundering measures
It is imperative that Sri Lanka adheres to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Framework (AML/CFT). Towards this end it needs to prioritize certain measures for consistent implementation, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka said in a press release.
The release added: In response to an invitation from the Financial Intelligence Unit of Sri Lanka, a high-level delegation from the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) visited Sri Lanka to engage with local authorities and provide them with crucial insights regarding the upcoming mutual evaluation of Sri Lanka’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Framework. The international delegation included:
Julien Brazeau: APG Co-Chair and Associate Assistant Deputy Minister of Canada’s Department of Finance in Ottawa within the Financial Sector Policy Branch.
Dr. Gordon Hook: Executive Secretary, APG
David Shannon: Director, Mutual Evaluations Quality & Consistency, APG
The APG is one of the main regional monitoring bodies of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), committed to monitoring and guiding the member jurisdictions in effective implementation of the international standards to combat money laundering (ML), terrorism financing (TF), and proliferation financing associated with weapons of mass destruction (PFWMD). Approximately 200 countries are affiliated with the nine regional bodies under the FATF’s purview. Sri Lanka is one of the 13 founding members of the APG, since 1997.
The FATF serves as the global watchdog against ML/TF, setting internationally recognized standards aimed at preventing these illicit activities and the harm they inflict on society. Member countries are expected to adhere to these standards, and the FATF assesses their performance based on a comprehensive assessment methodology that encompasses two key dimensions:
1. Technical Compliance: evaluates the legal and institutional framework, as well as the authority and procedures of competent authorities.
2. Effectiveness Assessment: gauges the extent to which the legal and institutional framework produces the anticipated results.
Sri Lanka was identified as a “Grey List” country with strategic deficiencies in its AML/CFT Framework twice by the FATF in 2011 and 2017, respectively, sebsequent to Sri Lanka’s 1st and 2nd Mutual Evaluations. During the 2017 Grey Listing, the European Union also “Black Listed” Sri Lanka for non-compliance with these international standards. In 2019, Sri Lanka was able to exit the Grey List after addressing the gaps in the legal and institutional framework.
Sri Lanka’s 3rd Mutual Evaluation is scheduled in 76 weeks (March 2025). As a nation, it is imperative that Sri Lanka achieves Technical Compliance with the FATF 40 Recommendations and ensure that our AML/CFT framework delivers expected results, as measured by the FATF’s 11 Immediate Outcomes. To this end, there are 24 stakeholders actively engaged in combating ML/TF in the country. The Financial Intelligence Unit, as the focal point in coordinating efforts, has obtained the approval of the Cabinet of
Ministers for the stakeholder-wise Actions Plans aimed at addressing the identified gaps in the AML/CFT Framework.
During the 3-day visit, the delegation had the privilege of meeting with key figures in Sri Lanka, including HE the President, the Hon. Chief Justice and Senior Justices of the
Supreme Court, the Foreign Minister, the Attorney General, and the Governor of the Central Bank/Chairman National Coordinating Committee on AML/CFT, Senior Law Enforcement Officials alongside private sector and other key stakeholders.
The delegation observed that at the highest levels of Sri Lanka’s leadership, there is a deep understanding of the significance of the upcoming Mutual Evaluation, and that it is imperative that all the stakeholders are committed to achieving strong results that mirror a resilient AML/CFT system. Implementing FATF standards for enhanced effectiveness is fundamental to safeguarding our economy and society from profit-driven crimes, terrorism, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Sri Lanka is acutely aware of the severe costs incurred by the country due to terrorism, terrorist financing, drug trafficking, corruption, trade-related crimes, and other profit-driven criminal activities, including money laundering. To successfully prepare for the mutual evaluation and avoid the adverse economic consequences of FATF grey-listing, it is paramount to prioritize activities in the following order:
1. Focus on Effectiveness: Emphasize the ability of the AML/CFT system to produce operational results that address Sri Lanka’s specific risks effectively.
2. Enhanced Monitoring: Stakeholders should intensify monitoring of progress and operational outcomes to support the advancement of priority implementation plans and surmount any obstacles to effectiveness.
3. Timely Legislation: Expedite the passage of critical AML/CFT-related legislation to ensure the availability of the necessary tools for achieving operational outputs.
4. Resource Allocation: Allocate adequate resources on a priority basis to agencies responsible for implementing the AML/CFT framework to facilitate the achievement of operational outcomes timely.
5. Inter-Agency Coordination: Sustain inter-agency coordination through effective leadership and well-supported mechanisms for targeted planning and progress monitoring in line with implementation plans.
6. Prosecution: Enhancing the capacity and active involvement of prosecutors in money laundering and terrorism financing cases.
7. Law Enforcement: Bolster implementation by law enforcement agencies, particularly through the clearance of backlogs in money laundering cases and increase in the scope of asset recovery and money laundering-related activities.
8. Judiciary: Improve the capacity of the Judiciary for timely and effective adjudication of money laundering cases and terrorism financing cases
9. Private Sector Engagement: Encourage active involvement of the private sector, fostering shared goals with the government for priority implementation of AML/CFT systems.
10. International Cooperation: Strengthen and focus on international cooperation, recognizing its pivotal role in demonstrating effectiveness. Foster deeper collaboration with countries that share key money laundering and terrorist financing risks.
By diligently adhering to these prioritized actions, Sri Lanka can secure a favorable outcome in its Mutual Evaluation and avoid the adverse economic and financial consequences associated with FATF Grey-Listing. Therefore, each of the 24 stakeholders are expected to ensure they have made every possible effort within their capacity to address the gaps in the AML/CFT Framework in a timely manner to face the country’s 3rd Mutual Evaluation.
In line with a broader, more inclusive approach and in alignment with evolving global standards, the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) announces the launch of the GSS+ Bonds Regulatory Framework, effective March 2025. This marks the first comprehensive regulatory framework in Sri Lanka dedicated to thematic bonds.
Under this initiative, the term “Sustainability Bonds” in the CSE Listing Rules has been replaced with “GSS+ Bonds”, which now encompasses Green, Blue, Social, Sustainability, and other related bond types, including Sustainability-Linked Bonds.
Social Bonds are fixed-income instruments where proceeds are exclusively allocated to finance or refinance projects aimed at addressing social challenges and generating positive social outcomes—such as improved access to essential services, affordable housing, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. The global Social Bond market has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by rising investor interest in fostering inclusive and sustainable development.
In a significant development, the requirements for issuing GSS+ Bonds are now fully aligned with the guidelines of the International Capital Market Association (ICMA). This alignment ensures consistency with globally accepted practices and enhances the credibility and transparency of the sustainable finance instruments listed on the CSE.
The verification framework has also been enhanced. In addition to the previously accepted forms of assurance and impact reporting, issuers may now utilize enhanced methods such as Second Party Opinion and Certification, providing additional layers of investor confidence and credibility.
These rule enhancements were made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Sri Lanka, underscoring the commitment of all stakeholders to elevate Sri Lanka’s sustainable finance landscape to meet international best practices.
The primary objective of this initiative is to enable capital raising for projects with measurable environmental and social impact, while also offering investors the opportunity to align their investment strategies with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
The introduction of GSS+ offers wide-ranging benefits. For issuers, it opens access to a new pool of capital dedicated to funding projects with positive social outcomes. Investors gain an opportunity to diversify their portfolios with instruments that deliver both financial and social returns. At a broader level, the initiative supports responsible capital allocation and contributes to key national development priorities such as poverty alleviation, gender equality, access to healthcare, and inclusive education.
Commenting on the launch, . Rajeeva Bandaranaike, Chief Executive Officer of the Colombo Stock Exchange, stated, “The introduction of GSS+ to the Sri Lankan capital market represents a significant step in our journey towards promoting sustainable finance. This initiative not only expands the suite of sustainable investment products available in the market but also empowers issuers to raise funds for socially impactful projects that can make a lasting difference in our communities.”
“We are proud to support this important development, which reflects our ongoing commitment to align capital market infrastructure with global best practices and to play an active role in Sri Lanka’s sustainable economic growth.”
The CSE remains committed to advancing ESG-aligned initiatives and providing market participants with robust frameworks for sustainability-oriented investments. The introduction of GSS+ Bonds reinforces the CSE’s role in facilitating financial innovation that contributes meaningfully to national and global development goals.
SLT-MOBITEL recently rewarded the lucky customer of its special ‘Roam and Win’ campaign with an all-inclusive tour package to Thailand, as part of its special roaming promotional campaign. The prize giving ceremony was held at the SLT-MOBITEL headquarters, marking a celebration of customer loyalty and appreciation.
The campaign was designed to recognize and reward both prepaid and postpaid customers who activated SLT-MOBITEL roaming plans during their international travels. The grand prize winner was selected through a raffle draw conducted among the pool of eligible customers. The tour package to Thailand included fully paid airfare, hotel accommodation, visa arrangements, guided excursions, and a daily allowance for 2 persons—offering the winners an unforgettable and worry-free experience abroad.
In a landmark move set to redefine the financial services landscape across two continents, LOLC Holdings PLC, Sri Lanka’s largest multi-currency, multi-geographic financial conglomerate, has entered into a strategic partnership with Tomorrow Financial Solutions (TFS) Australia. The agreement, formalized earlier this year, was officially inaugurated on April 03, 2025, at the TFS headquarters in Melbourne, followed by the grand launch held on April 24, 2025, at the opening of the new TFS office at the LOLC premises in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Tomorrow Financial Solutions (TFS) is an Australian financial services firm specializing in mortgage broking, financial planning, commercial lending, and investment strategy. With a focus on client-first, tech-powered experiences, TFS delivers innovative, strategic, and personalized solutions that drive long-term wealth creation.
This alliance represents a significant milestone for both organizations. For TFS, the partnership cements its evolution from a visionary local enterprise into a formidable player on the global financial stage, bolstered by LOLC’s capital investment and international credibility. For LOLC Holdings, this collaboration marks its official foray into the Australian financial market, further reinforcing its global footprint and commitment to providing inclusive financial solutions across new geographies.
“This strategic partnership is more than just an association,” remarked Mr. Pramu Rodrigo, Managing Director/ CEO of TFS, “It is the beginning of a transformative chapter in the Australian financial services sector. Harnessing LOLC’s global expertise, we’re cementing our presence in the Australian market with a bold vision, to set a benchmark in agile, client-focused financial services for a smarter, more connected future.”
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