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Sri Lanka ‘keeping an open mind’ on an IMF bailout

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International Monetary Fund headquarters in Washington, DC

Cabinet Spokesman and Plantation Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said yesterday that Sri Lanka was keeping an open mind about dealing with the IMF and would not ruled out assistance from the global lender to bailout Sri Lanka from the current economic and foreign currency reserves crisis.

While expressing hopes for an economic turnover in the coming months, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said that the government was assessing the situation with an open mind. “We are in touch with the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other global financial agencies. The government has not taken a decision not to deal with the IMF. It was under Mahinda Rajapaksa presidency that Sri Lanka obtained the highest amount of foreign loans from the IMF,” he recollected.

“Foreign remittances and tourist arrivals have recorded a steady increase in the last few months. The benefits accrued from vehicle and other nonessential imports were negated as a result of the sharp escalation of oil process in the international market and the three waves of the pandemic,” he said addressing the media.

“Sri Lanka’s import bill exceeds its export income drastically creating a huge trade gap. For instance, Sri Lanka imported goods in excess of US$ 4.1 billion in 2021 more than the value of its exports. Until we take steps to contain the trade deficit, Sri Lanka cannot come out of this economic crisis,” he observed.

Sri Lanka is facing debt repayment obligations of about $4 billion this year. In this context, politicians in the Opposition and economists are urging the government to seek assistance from the IMF.

Some opposition members have also urged the government to table in parliament an anticipated IMF assessment of the economic and financial situation, conducted as part of its regular consultations with Sri Lanka.

“It is essential that the government table this document before parliament and clearly state their plan for addressing this crisis in a sustainable manner,” members of the Opposition said.

With fuel stocks sufficient to last only for a few days, Pathirana said the Central Bank has been directed to release funds for fuel shipments.

Fuel shortage is also hitting power supply in the country with the power regulator (PUCSL) warning hours of rolling power cuts described as load shedding, over the next few days unless oil supplies to thermal power plants increase.

Pathirana mentioned the fact that any further increase in global oil prices would make the situation even more difficult. “We hope tensions in Ukraine will not push oil prices further up putting more pressure on Sri Lanka,” he said.



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HNB Assurance climbs 13 places on LMD 100 rankings

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Lasitha Wimalaratne – CEO, HNB Assurance

HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) made a significant ascent in the latest LMD 100 rankings climbing 13 places to reach rank 64, cementing its position as one of Sri Lanka’s leading listed companies. Throughout the past few years, HNB Assurance has grown stronger, smarter and more united in its purpose, turning challenges into opportunities and refining every aspect of its operations.

The LMD 100 is a prestigious annual ranking that evaluates the financial and strategic performance of publicly listed companies in Sri Lanka. HNB Assurance has consistently climbed the ranks year after year in recent years, reflecting the company’s sustained growth. With 2025 underway, HNB Assurance is planning to leverage its strengths and growth momentum maintained over the past couple of years, as this year represents the penultimate step in its ambitious journey toward achieving the vision of “10% market share by 2026”, a transformative goal that aims to redefine, elevate and position the company as a trailblazer in the industry.

Sharing his thoughts on the company’s new ranking, Lasitha Wimalarathne, Chief Executive Officer of HNB Assurance PLC, stated, “Our upward trajectory in the LMD 100 rankings reflects the collective efforts of our incredible team, the trust our customers have placed in us and our ability to adapt to the dynamic business landscape. At HNB Assurance, we remain committed to strengthening our core business, embracing innovation and delivering sustainable value to all our stakeholders.”

“As we step into 2025, it is inspiring to reflect on our journey so far. By the end of Q3 2024, we achieved growth that was well above the industry average, a remarkable feat we’ve consistently maintained since 2022. This success has been driven by the exceptional efforts of our sales force both from the Advisor Distribution and Partnerships channels, alongside the support of all our teams. I must also add that our vision for ‘10 in 2026’ is not merely a corporate milestone, it embodies our broader aspiration to transform lives, uplift communities and set new benchmarks in the industry. As the countdown to this goal continues, we will maintain our growth, while continuing to stive and create a lasting impact on the lives of our policyholders.” added, Wimalaratne.

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Sri Lanka Insurance further Expand its presence to Naiwala

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Sri Lanka Insurance further expands its presence in the Upper Western region with the opens its Naiwala Agency Business Development Center (ABDC) on the 12th of December at No.90/6/C, Airport Road, Naiwala junction, Veyangoda.

The occasion was graced by SLIC Life Chief Business Officer Namalee A. Silva, Deputy General Manager – National Sales (Life) Jagath Welgama, Upper Western regional management, Branch Management of Veyangoda representing Life and General categories. Distinguished invitees and customers of the area were also in attendance at the event.

Agency Business Development Centers (ABDC) allows SLIC to further enhance its reach, which provides convenience and speed of service delivery to its loyal customers in relation with their protection needs.

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CEAT Kelani Launches high-performance tractor tyre for Maha season

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CEAT Kelani Holdings has introduced a new high-performance tractor tyre, the 13.6 – 28 PUDDLE XL TT 12PR, just in time for the harvest phase of the Maha cultivation season. Designed specifically for agricultural use, this innovative cross-ply tyre promises to enhance farming efficiency and tractor operations.

Compatible with leading tractor brands such as Sonalika, TAFE, John Deere, and Mahindra, the tyre features advanced design elements tailored for puddling operations. Its higher non-skid depth (NSD) ensures superior traction in wet and muddy conditions, while wide and angular lugs improve stability and grip. The tyre’s deep and open shoulders allow for effective self-cleaning, and reinforced carcass construction extends its lifespan, offering excellent value for farmers.

This is the sixth tractor tyre variant developed and manufactured locally by CEAT Kelani Holdings, showcasing the company’s dedication to the agriculture sector.

CEAT Kelani Chief Operating Officer Shamal Gunawardene noted that the tyre addresses the unique challenges faced during the harvest period. “It ensures improved performance, durability, and reliability, empowering farmers and operators to achieve better productivity,” he said.

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