Business
CBSL to talk to external quarters, other than IMF, to build foreign reserves
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) will not negotiate with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) any more but negotiations are in progress with foreign institutions, such as central banks, banks and donor agencies, for rapid financial instruments to strengthen and raise foreign reserves, Central Bank Governor. Prof. W.D. Lakshman said.
“We have witnessed very little success with IMF programs and those guidelines are not suitable for the country, Lakshman told a media conference on the Sri Lankan economy yesterday. The press conference was held at the Central Bank auditorium, Colombo.
The Governor said that it is the government’s policy to work as much as possible to resolve Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange problems on a self-reliant basis, which in turn will be founded on domestic efforts. The CBSL is to discuss with institutions, organisations and countries that are willing to assist on a relatively non-interventionist basis.
“This is the policy currently adopted and we also have the policy of finding foreign exchange requirements on non-credit increasing arrangements. I think we are going to be relatively successful in the process, as the negotiations we are carrying out with a few countries and international agencies will come to successful conclusions, probably soon, the Governor added.
The Governor added – ‘At present the country has foreign reserves amounting to approximately US $ five billion. Negotiations are on with several agencies to generate foreign reserves by way of swaps and other alternative mechanisms which will not burden the economy.
‘The Central Bank will promote a market-oriented economy guided by the government to achieve rapid economic growth in the year 2021 and beyond.
‘Import restrictions on luxury items will continue for some time until the balance of payments issue is resolved.
‘In 2021, we expect economic growth to be more than 6 percent and to achieve that the Central Bank has laid a proper foundation to stimulate the economy and to increase export revenue. Further, many relief measures have been taken to support the tourism sector which was badly affected due to the Covid 19 pandemic.
‘Further, the IT industry was the industry that was affected least and it will bring foreign reserves into the country once normalcy returns.
‘During 2020 the economy experienced a current account surplus, the likes of which was witnessed in 1950/51, 1964/65 and 1977.Therefore, the Central Bank intends to achieve that level in future years.
‘Currently the country’s inflation is around three percent. Inflation on food stuffs has increased but will come down soon.’
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
