Business
EDB proposes tax cut on incremental export increases to encourage exporters
Some form of a tax relief on incremental exports is the least that could be granted by the government from the upcoming budget given its fiscal constraints to incentivise exporters who continuously strive to add more capacity and bring foreign exchange at this critical juncture, according to the Export Development Board (EDB) .
Speaking at a pre-budget forum held recently, EDB Chairman Suresh de Mel said this proposal had been there on the cards for some time and would prove very useful if it could be implementedin earnest.
“There are some things we can do that is not going to cost that much. One of them is to give some sort of a tax relief on incremental exports,” de Mel told a webinar organized by the Institute of Chartered Professional Managers of Sri Lanka.
At present, export incomes are taxed at 14 percent compared to 24 percent charged elsewhere for corporate income tax purposes. Although not linked to taxes, a year ago, the EDB proposed an Export Development Reward Scheme with the intention of encouraging export volumes by way of paying an additional 2% and 3.5% on their incremental export earnings for large and small and medium sized exporters respectively.
After a brief setback suffered in April and May this year due to the virus resurgence, Sri Lanka’s exports earnings have continued to exceed a billion dollars in the three consecutive months through August.
EDB chief said the export earnings are on course to achieve the year-end target.
Speaking further de Mel said the current suspension of fresh recruitments into the State sector due to fiscal challenges could not have come at a better time when the private sector is grappling with a persistent labour shortage, which has forced companies to operate below capacity.
“The private sector has a big labour shortage and I think this will give the private sector some labour that would otherwise be working for the government. So, I think again this is not a cost but a saving, and might give the export sector the workforce for their expansion and exports increases”, de Mel added.
Speaking on the way forward for exports, he emphasised on the need for developing exportable quality products via continuous value addition and tapping niche markets for durable success as Sri Lanka is not a major manufacturing powerhouse.
In this backdrop, he called for budgetary support for the expansion of EDB’s ongoing Export Production Villages programme, establishment of Export Houses, which functions as intermediaries in the exports supply chain, and in marketing and promotional endeavours including the emerging social commerce, which has gained more traction as a result of the pandemic.
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
