Business
Concessions to affected borrowers of licensed banks amidst prevailing extraordinary macroeconomic circumstances
With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has introduced several concessionary schemes since March 2020, to assist affected borrowers. Such concessions include concessionary debt moratoriums, loan restructuring/rescheduling, suspension of recovery actions, low-cost working capital loans and waivers of fees and charges for certain banking transactions.
These concessions were provided to individuals including private sector employees and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and other businesses engaged in tourism, transportation, manufacturing, services, agriculture, construction, apparel, IT, and related logistic services. Accordingly, the last phase of the moratorium granted to COVID-19 affected borrowers ended on 31.12.2021, while the last phase of the moratorium granted to the tourism sector ended on 30.06.2022. In the meantime, CBSL has required the licensed banks to set up post COVID-19 revival units in licensed banks in order to identify and assist under-performing and non-performing borrowers affected by the pandemic for the purpose of reviving viable businesses with the potential of contributing to the national economic growth, thus facilitating the unwinding of moratorium in a sustainable manner. Considering the current macroeconomic challenges and the requests made by several stakeholders including Government Institutions, CBSL has requested the licensed banks to provide appropriate concessions, for a period of six months, to borrowers whose income or businesses have been adversely affected due to the current macroeconomic and/ or due to COVID-19 pandemic while preventing any undue stress on the banking sector stability. These concessions are provided on a case-by-case basis depending on the future repayment capacity of the individuals and the viability of businesses/ projects. The salient features of the concessions are summarised below.
a. Concessions for performing credit facilities: Borrowers can avail appropriate concessions (i.e., grace periods for capital or interest or both capital and interest or part of the capital or interest, re-structuring of credit facilities, or any other concession) for a period of six months.
b. Concessions for non-performing credit facilities: Borrowers can request for rescheduling of existing non-performing credit facilities over a longer period. Further, licensed banks are requested to suspend recovery actions against credit facilities classified as non-performing after 01.01.2020. SME paddy millers are given further concessions subject to conditions. c. However, these concessions are not available for wilful defaulters, defaults due to diversion of funds, misuse of funds, mismanagement and/ or frauds and unviable projects. d. Repayment plans: In the case of regular instalment loans, the new instalment amount should not exceed the contracted instalment value of the existing loan. In the case of other credit facilities, the licensed bank and the borrowers should mutually agree on an appropriate repayment plan. e. Interest rate applicable for the amount for the period of concession: In the case of Rupee credit facilities, the interest rate to be charged on the amount for the period of concessions, should not exceed the latest contracted rate of interest (i.e., in the case of variable interest credit facilities, the latest repriced interest rate as at 07.07.2022 or in the case of fixed interest credit facilities, the interest rate agreed at the time of granting the facility) or the current Standing Lending Facility Rate (i.e., 15.5%), whichever is higher. With regard to foreign currency facilities, the licensed bank and the borrowers should mutually agree on the rate of interest. f. Opportunity to settle the loans early without any additional cost: Licensed banks have been requested to consider, on case-by-case basis, the requests made by borrowers to settle their credit facilities early, without paying any additional fee. In the case of lease facilities, recovery of future interest will also be waived off. Borrowers who intend to avail the early settlement options should make such request to the bank on or before 30.09.2022. g. Licensed banks have been requested not to decline the new loan applications from eligible borrowers under this scheme solely based on adverse CRIB records. h. Request for concessions: The affected borrowers are requested to apply for the above concessions on or before 31.07.2022, in writing or through electronic means. The applicants will be duly informed regarding the decision of the respective licensed bank within one month of the receipt of the request. In the case of a rejected application, the licensed bank should inform the applicant the reasons for the rejection and that there is an opportunity to appeal against such rejection to the Director, Financial Consumer Relations Department of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
Licensed banks and borrowers are expected to collaborate in implementing and availing these concessions during these challenging times in the interest of subsiding the stress on individuals and ensuring the sustainability of businesses which are expected to address the current challenges and support the economic recovery.
Further details on COVID-19 revival units and the concessions available for affected borrowers can be obtained from Circular No. 1 of 2022 on Guidelines on Establishment of Post COVID-19 Revival Units in Licensed Banks and Circular No. 2 of 2022 on Concessions to Affected Borrowers Amidst the Prevailing Extraordinary Macroeconomic Circumstances, respectively, which can be accessed through the following links:
https://www.cbsl.gov.lk/sites/default/files/cbslweb_documents/laws/cdg/bsd_circular_no_1_of_2022_e.pdf
https://www.cbsl.gov.lk/sites/default/files/cbslweb_documents/laws/cdg/bsd_circular_no_2_of_2022_e.pdf
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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