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Government to Impose Taxes on 14 Additional Sectors, Says State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya

The government has decided to impose taxes on 14 additional sectors, announced State Minister of Finance, Dr. Ranjith Siyambalapitiya. Among these sectors are large-scale private tutoring classes, private schools, private medical service centers, engineering service centers, and mining services. State Minister Siyambalapitiya stated that the Inland Revenue Department will conduct thorough investigations into the income…

Shehan Semasinghe
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Sri Lanka’s Government Debt Reduced by 2.76% as of April 2024

Sri Lanka’s government debt stock has seen a notable reduction of 2.76%, amounting to Rs 803.2 billion, as of April 30, 2024. This decrease brings the total debt from Rs 29,150.4 billion on December 31, 2023, down to Rs 28,347.2 billion. A significant reduction was observed in the foreign debt stock, which fell by 9.2%…

Sri Lanka’s Debt Restructuring Agreement and Economic Measures
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Sri Lanka’s Debt Restructuring Agreement and Economic Measures

Chethana Gomis Extending the principal loan repayment grace period till 2028 will save the country $500 crores. Sri Lanka has also concluded a debt restructuring agreement with International Sovereign Bondholders. Sri Lankan foreign debt amounts to USD 37 billion, comprising USD 10.6 billion in bilateral debt. Regarding accusations from many parties that the Government has…

Driving Digital Action through DPI: A Series to Propel the SDGs
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Driving Digital Action through DPI: A Series to Propel the SDGs

Countries with a robust digital public infrastructure act as the cornerstone for progress in many developed countries. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these countries secured equitable economic advancements through digital tools. Effective Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has the potential to dramatically improve a country’s overall ability to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and…

Sri Lanka Reaches Landmark Debt Restructuring Agreement
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Sri Lanka Reaches Landmark Debt Restructuring Agreement

Sri Lanka reached a groundbreaking agreement with its private creditors to restructure its debt, becoming the first country to utilize a Governance-Linked Bond (GLB). This innovative financial instrument was designed by Verité Research in Colombo. The Verité-GLB adjusts repayments based on the country’s achievement of mutually agreed governance benchmarks. If these benchmarks are met, Sri…

Sri Lanka Reaches Landmark Debt Restructuring Agreement, Daily Reporter
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Sri Lanka Reaches Landmark Debt Restructuring Agreement, Daily Reporter

On June 3, 2024, Sri Lanka reached a groundbreaking agreement with its private creditors to restructure its debt, becoming the first country to utilize a Governance-Linked Bond (GLB). This innovative financial instrument was designed by Verité Research in Colombo. The Verité-GLB adjusts repayments based on the country’s achievement of mutually agreed governance benchmarks. If these…

parliament-of-sri-lanka
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Summary of President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Speech in Parliament on July 2

1. Introduction Context: Restoring economic stability post debt default in 2022. Recent Achievement: Agreement with official creditors on loan repayment. Communication: National address and consistent updates to Parliament. 2. Four-Step Economic Plan IMF Extended Credit Facilities: Establish financial discipline. Debt Stabilization Plan: Collaboration with Lazard and Clifford Chance. Economic Policies: Secure foreign investment and promote…

Triple E-Class container ship
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Ever Ace’s Historic Call at Colombo East Container Terminal

The maritime world is abuzz with the news that the Megamax container ship, Ever Ace, was scheduled to dock at the Colombo East Container Terminal (CECT) of Colombo Port yesterday. This event marks the second visit of the Ever Ace to Colombo, but notably, it will be the first time the ship calls at a…

Kinder government reaction to economic distress would evoke better public response
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Kinder government reaction to economic distress would evoke better public response

With less than a month before presidential elections are called, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has highlighted the success of his presidency as rescuing Sri Lanka from its international bankruptcy status that prevents it from doing business with the rest of the world. The signing of the agreement on international debt restructuring for USD 5.8 billion with…

Ambassador Rekha Gunasekera presents Credentials to King Willem-Alexander of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
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Ambassador Rekha Gunasekera presents Credentials to King Willem-Alexander of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of the Netherlands Rekha Gunasekera presented the letter of Credence to King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands on 26 June 2024 at an elegant ceremony held at the Noordeinde Palace in The Hague. The ceremony began with a carriage procession, where the Ambassador was escorted by the Royal Chamberlain…