Business
Earnings from exports remained robust in September 2022
Financing of essential imports exhausts liquid level of gross official reserves
Earnings from exports remained robust in September 2022, while import expenditure declined for the seventh consecutive month, on a year-on-year basis, reflecting the significant reduction in imports of non-food consumer goods and investment goods, according to External Sector performance – September 2022.The Central Bank continued to provide forex liquidity to finance essential imports, exhausting the liquid level of gross official reserves, the report said.The following are some excerpts from the External Sector performance released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
“Merchandise trade deficit recorded a notable contraction in September 2022, (y-o-y). Workers’ remittances increased marginally in September 2022, (y-o-y). Earnings from tourism recorded an increase in September 2022, compared to the same period in 2021. Foreign investment in the government securities market and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) recorded a notable net inflow during September 2022. Meanwhile, the weighted average spot exchange rate in the interbank market remained around Rs. 362 per US dollar during the month.”
“The balance in the merchandise trade account recorded a deficit of US dollars 206 million in September 2022, compared to the deficit of US dollars 492 million recorded in September 2021 and US dollars 261 million recorded in August 2022. Meanwhile, the cumulative deficit in the trade account during January-September 2022 narrowed to US dollars 4,104 million from US dollars 5,999 million recorded over the same period in 2021.”
“Terms of Trade deteriorated by 1.1 per cent in September 2022, compared to September 2021, as the increase in import prices surpassed the increase in export prices. Earnings from merchandise exports grew by 4.3 per cent in September 2022, over September 2021, to US dollars 1,079 million. However, merchandise exports in September 2022 recorded a decline compared to August 2022 (US dollars 1,224 million). An increase in earnings was observed in industrial and agricultural exports, while a marginal decline was recorded in mineral exports. Cumulative export earnings during January-September 2022 increased by 11.7 per cent over the same period in the last year, amounting to US dollars 9,981 million, which was mainly driven by the improvements in industrial exports.”
“The export volume index declined by 6.7 per cent (y-o-y) while the unit value index improved by 11.8 per cent (y-o-y), in September 2022, indicating the increase in export earnings in September 2022 could be attributed to higher export prices. Expenditure on merchandise imports declined by 15.8 per cent to US dollars 1,284 million in September 2022, compared to US dollars 1,526 million in September 2021 and US dollars 1,486 million in August 2022. A decline in import expenditure was observed in investment goods and non- food consumer goods, mainly resulted from the measures to compress imports. However, an increase was recorded in imports of intermediate goods and food and beverages. On a cumulative basis, import expenditure from January to September 2022 amounted to US dollars 14,085 million, compared to US dollars 14,938 million recorded in the corresponding period in 2021.”
“Expenditure on the importation of consumer goods declined by 35.3 per cent in September 2022, compared to September 2021, led by lower expenditure on non-food consumer goods. Expenditure on the importation of intermediate goods increased by 7.7 per cent.”
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
