Business

Govt still lukewarm in allowing vehicle imports wary of balance of trade

Published

3 years ago

2023/07/17

It transpired at a discussion held last week between Sagala Ratnayake, Chief of Presidential Staff, and Presidential Adviser on National Security, officials of the Ministry of Finance and officials of the International Monetary Fund that the government’s focus is on removing the import ban on electric vehicles before allowing the importation of conventional gasoline cars.

By Sanath Nanayakkare

The government has decided to allow the importation of all goods except for motor vehicles from the first week of September, and it is going to consider how it would gradually ease the ban on vehicle imports according to a ‘strategic plan’. It is said that as a start, the government’s focus is on removing the import ban on electric vehicles before allowing the importation of conventional gasoline cars.

The new policy on importation will come into effect in the first week of September, allowing a broader range of goods to enter the country. The government reached this decision during a discussion held last week between Sagala Ratnayake, Chief of Presidential Staff, and Presidential Adviser on National Security, officials of the Ministry of Finance and officials of the International Monetary Fund.

However, certain categories of vehicles such as tractors are permitted to be imported depending on the farmers’ requirements.

It has also been decided to conduct a weekly review regarding the proposals of the International Monetary Fund.

Import restrictions have been lifted on 286 goods, allowing their importation into the country. However, the import ban on another 930 goods, including vehicles, will remain in effect, maintaining the previous restrictions on these items.

Steps have been taken to remove the import ban on 250 of the 500 items including essential food items that were in the prohibited import category.

Accordingly, it has been decided in this discussion to gradually remove the import restrictions of the banned items. The process will be conducted in two stages and is due to be completed by the first week of September.

Importation of vehicles is still receiving a lukewarm response from the government obviously because of the fact that a widened balance of trade would influence currency exchange rate through its effect on foreign exchange supply and demand, analysts said.

Sri Lanka banned imports of most automobiles including three wheelers and motorcycles which give large revenues to the state as money printing ratcheted up from February 2021 creating foreign exchange shortages.

However, 2,384 SUVs in 2021 and 176 in January 2022 had been registered in the Vehicle Registry of Sri Lanka, according to a Colombo-based equities brokerage firm.

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Business

ADB approves $100 million loan to boost skills development and jobs for youth in Sri Lanka

Published

8 hours ago

2026/10/2

Thilina Walpola

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $100 million results-based loan to help Sri Lanka transform its technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system, equip more young people with industry-relevant skills, and strengthen the country’s competitiveness and inclusive growth.

The Skills Development System Transformation Program will support the Government of Sri Lanka’s efforts in improving the quality and relevance of skills training, strengthening links between training providers and industries, and expanding employment opportunities for youth. The program will increase women’s employment opportunities in nontraditional jobs in fields including automotive technology, engineering, information and communications technology, construction, and renewable energy.

“A skilled workforce is essential to Sri Lanka’s long-term economic transformation and competitiveness,” said ADB Country Director for Sri Lanka Shannon Cowlin. “This program will help create stronger pathways from education to employment by making training more responsive to industry needs, expanding opportunities for young people and women, and ensuring that graduates have the skills required by a modern and evolving economy.”

Though Sri Lanka’s economy is recovering, it faces skills shortages in priority sectors, high youth unemployment, and low female labor force participation. Many employers report difficulty finding workers with the skills needed in a changing economy.

Aligned with the Government of Sri Lanka’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training Sector Strategic Framework 2026–2035, the nationwide program will be implemented from 2027 to 2031 and is expected to directly benefit more than 100,000 young people through improved access to quality, employment-oriented training.

Business

USD 40.84m pipeline to secure aviation fuel supplies to BIA

Published

8 hours ago

2026/10/2

Thilina Walpola

By Ifham Nizam

The government has cleared a USD 40.84 million and Rs. 8,548.75 million contract to build a dedicated aviation fuel pipeline from Muthurajawela to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), alongside a massive new fuel storage facility with a capacity of 92,000 cubic metres.

Energy Minister Anura Karunatilaka said the project represented a major investment in strengthening the infrastructure underpinning Sri Lanka’s aviation fuel supply and ensuring more reliable fuel availability at the country’s main international airport.

‘This project will provide the infrastructure required to strengthen the reliability and continuity of aviation fuel supplies to Bandaranaike International Airport, Karunatilaka said.

The contract has been awarded to China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Company Limited, following an international competitive procurement process in which three bids were received.

The project will see a new aviation fuel storage tank complex constructed at Muthurajawela, together with the associated infrastructure required for handling and transferring aviation fuel.

Business

CSE activity up, turnover weak at Rs. 1.4 billion

Published

8 hours ago

2026/10/2

Thilina Walpola

By Hiran H Senewiratne

Trading activity on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) gathered pace yesterday as global fuel prices began to show signs of easing, according to market analysts.In this context, both indices moved upwards. All Share Price Index up by 67.97 points while S and P SL20 up by 8.30 points.

Turnover stood at Rs 1.4 billion with seven crossings. Those crossings were reported in Sampath Bank 1.7 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 238 million and its share price traded at Rs 140, Access Engineering two million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 159 million and its share price traded at Rs 79.50, LOLC one million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 129 million and its share price traded at Rs 129, HNB 100,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 38.4 million and its share price traded at Rs 384, JKH 1.9 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 35 million and its share price traded at Rs 18.60, Hayleys 100,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 22.50 million and its share price traded at Rs 225 and Richard Pieris 847,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 22 million and its share price traded at Rs 25.50.

In the retail market top seven companies that have mainly contributed to the turnover were Sampath Bank Rs 114 million (813,000 shares traded), JKH Rs 100 million (5.3 million shares traded) LB Finance Rs 49 million (325,000 shares traded), HNB Finance Rs 30 million (27 million shares traded), HNB Rs 27 million (70000 shares traded), NTB Rs 25 million (82000 shares traded ) and Lanka IOC Rs 21 million (666,000 shares traded). During the day 65 million shares volumes changed hands in 10433 transactions.

The Banking and manufacturing sector counters performed well. In the banking sector Sampath Bank let the market while manufacturing sector especially JKH also significantly performed well. With the fuel revision Land IOC also a significant stock at the floor.

Meanwhile, First Capital Treasuries said that Ramesh Schaffter resigned as a Non-Independent Non-Executive Director with effect from October 1, to facilitate the restructuring of the company’s board.

Yesterday the Central Bank announced the US Dollar rate as against rupee. The rupee was quoted flat at Rs 330.65/80 to the US dollar in the spot market , while bond yields dropped, dealers said.