Business
CB Governor urges general public to be mindful of any deviations from the path of stability
Let’s continue along the conservative path we have carefully chosen’
In 5 years, we will be in a much better position in terms of debt sustainability’
by Sanath Nanayakkare
Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe insisted Friday that the general public who elect governments has a responsibility to be mindful if the governments elected by them deviate from the path of stability because it could adversely affect all stakeholders of the economy and communities across the country.
“Stay mindful about any deviations from the current path of debt sustainability, recovery and growth targets, and if you see any veering off course, it is your responsibility to get them back on the right track,” he said.
The Governor made this remark on Friday while delivering the keynote speech at the CFA Society Sri Lanka CEO Forum.
Speaking further he said,” We have been able to achieve some stability in the short term. And next important step in completing the stabilization programme is to complete both Domestic Debt Optimization (DDO) and external debt restructuring and signing a deal with external creditors – both commercial and bilateral creditors.
We hope we will be able to complete it somewhere in September –October 2023, and complete the first review of the IMF programme. Once that is done, the most difficult path on short term reforms will be over. Then we have to get ready for medium term growth and recovery, stable exchange rate, higher reserves, robust policies and growth enhancing structural reforms. That is the only path we have to pursue.”
“Some people are concerned whether there would be a second DDO. If we deviate from the current path there could be a second DDO or even there could be another default or bankruptcy. The government has committed itself to 0.3% primary surplus through prudent fiscal policies. If Sri Lanka turns back and moves backwards to -6% primary surplus, then there would be another debt unsustainability issue and would need another DDO.
As things stand now, Sri Lanka doesn’t need another DDO because the current one is strong enough and consistent with the targets to restore debt sustainability subject to other policy elements moving in parallel; namely, fiscal policy, structural reforms and the envisioned growth path. In my view, this DDO and debt sustainability is a conservative path we have rightly chosen and we need to be consistent with it.”
“The current trajectory is targeted on a 3% growth rate. But Sri Lanka has the capacity to grow its economy by about 5%. So if we are able to exceed that growth target, we would be better off than we think, and we won’t have to wait for 10 years to achieve debt sustainability.
In five years, we will be in a much better position in terms of debt sustainability. Given the outlook is conservative, we have room to go higher in terms of growth , expected inflation targeting outcomes and building foreign reserves. The authorities have to maintain a prudent fiscal policy for which the government has committed itself. Because this is the only path, I hope they will continue on it.
Then we should be able to give relief to the people earlier than expected. But if we move on a different path, and go back to 4-5% deficit, then things would be worse. There is strong commitment on the part of both monetary and fiscal authorities to keep to the original programme. We need the support of the private sector and the general public also for this strategy to come to fruition,” Dr. Weerasinghe said.
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.”
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