Money market returns to surplus after two years

Sri Lanka’s domestic money market liquidity recorded a surplus of Rs. 168.1 billion by the end of December 2024, marking the first positive liquidity balance in two years. The Central Bank attributed this shift primarily to foreign exchange purchases and swap transactions. According to the Market Operations Report, liquidity conditions in the domestic money market have been improving since April …

Continue Reading

Digital government payments to launch

The initial step in the digitalisation of government services, ‘GovPay’, will be officially launched under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Friday (7). This platform is expected to streamline and modernise transactions conducted through government institutions, enabling seamless and secure transactions through an efficient digital system, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said. The Information and Communication Technology Agency …

Continue Reading

ADB-SLTDA introduce e-learning platform to enhance homestay mgmt

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has launched an innovative e-learning platform aimed at improving the management and operational standards of homestays across Sri Lanka. The initiative is part of ADB’s technical assistance programme (TA 9881 SRI: Supporting Tourism Resilience) and is designed to build resilience and sustainability within the tourism …

Continue Reading

Coconut industrialists urge shift to processed products for export revenue growth

Coconut Milk Manufacturers’ Association (CMMA) President Randeewa Malalasooriya says that the nation’s coconut industry has the potential to bring in $ 2.5 billion as revenue up from the current industry average of $ 850 million. Malalasooriya further stated that the country must improve the annual coconut production to 4.5 billion nuts in the long term while also focusing on the …

Continue Reading

Towards the Agripreneurship in Sri Lanka

Many Sri Lankans rely on agriculture as their primary source of income and it is contributing significantly to the country’s economy. And also agriculture has an unchanging demand, mainly due to its heavy contribution to food security. It is one of the key sectors that offers significantly to the development of any country’s economy, interacting with other sub-sectors related to …

Continue Reading

Finance Ministry sets up special committee to address MSME challenges

The Finance Ministry yesterday announced that it has initiated the formation of a special advisory committee to address challenges faced by Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in implementing the Parate law, a legal provision that allows banks to seize collateral from loan drafters without Court intervention. The Ministry said the committee aims to provide sustainable solutions and develop policy …

Continue Reading

Beyoncé wins album of the year at the 2025 Grammys for ‘Cowboy Carter’

Beyoncé won album of the year for “Cowboy Carter” at Sunday’s Grammys, delivering her — at last — the show’s elusive top award. The superstar, who is both the most awarded and nominated artist in Grammys history, has been up for the category four times before and many feel she has been snubbed by its top honors. In winning album …

Continue Reading

Sri Lanka’s Ishadi Amanda crowned 1st Runner-Up at Mrs. World

Sri Lanka’s Ishadi Amanda has etched her name in history by becoming the first runner-up at the 40th Mrs. World pageant held in Las Vegas, USA. The title of 40th Mrs. World was claimed by South Africa’s Tshego Gaelae, while Thailand’s Ploy Panperm was named the 2nd Runner-Up. Ishadi Amanda earned the opportunity to represent Sri Lanka on the global …

Continue Reading

Sri Lanka set to launch ‘GovPay’ digital payment platform

As the initial step in the digitalization of government services, the ‘GovPay’ digital payment platform will be launched by the government of Sri Lanka on February 07. Accordingly, the launch ceremony will be held on February 07, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. This platform is expected to streamline and modernize transactions conducted through government institutions, enabling seamless …

Continue Reading