Business
JAAF says its membership strictly abides by CBSL laws on repatriating export income
Reiterates that apparel sector brings back entirety of its export proceeds to Sri Lanka
Commends Governor’s remarks on the need to periodically relax repatriation and conversion requirements
The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) asserts that its membership strictly abides by the Central Bank laws on repatriating export income, reiterating that the apparel sector brings back the entirety of its export proceeds to Sri Lanka. Issuing a press statement JAAF said that Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe affirmed this in an interview on December 08th stating, “Of the exports in September and October, exporters have repatriated or brought 100% of export earnings into our banking system. I want to make it very clear that based on the data for those two months, exporters are not keeping money abroad”.
The Governor went on to say that in the case of the apparel sector, the industry refers to a local value addition of 50%. The CBSL investigations have confirmed that 25% of export proceedings in average have been directly converted to rupees by the exporters, and that the CBSL was looking into the remaining 25% of export proceedings. He acknowledged, however, that this may be due to exporters utilizing these dollars for approved local purchases. These would include the purchase of both diesel from CPC and LIOC, and domestically produced raw materials which are required for the industry.
In light of the above, JAAF wants to reiterate that under the existing regulations set out by CBSL, exporters are permitted to make outward payments for purchases of raw materials, and the remaining proceeds are converted automatically by the respective commercial banks on the seventh day of the following month.
In addition to payments made to overseas suppliers, the growth of the local supply chain also means that apparel companies could pay up to 25% of their inward foreign currency remittances to indirect exporters in Sri Lanka. As mentioned by the Governor, these additional dollar payments may not be accounted for properly which has led to misconceptions surrounding the industry’s foreign exchange conversions.
Given the current economic milieu in the country, companies use a considerable portion of export proceeds to purchase raw materials, fuel and other items essential for seamless operations in the event of unforeseen crises. This is aligned with a preparedness formula which nearly all exporters have implemented, having learned lessons from crises experienced in the last three years.
Reiterating that the industry has been a mainstay in contributing towards vital essentials for the country including fuel, medicine and food during the worst of the financial crisis, JAAF members are acutely conscious of the crucial role they play in keeping the economic wheels turning. The Governor also placed on record his appreciation to the apparel sector for their continued support.
“We are confident that companies in our membership have been abiding by the law, ensuring that export proceeds are repatriated for the economic benefit of the country. JAAF member companies have and will continue to comply with the existing regulations and will strive to complement all efforts taken by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the Government in providing much-needed assistance to all stakeholders of the economy, to redirect Sri Lanka’s economy to a path of recovery and growth.”
The Governor also spoke of reconciling the exports of the top 100 exporting companies to establish both the direct conversion and the amounts paid in foreign currency to local suppliers. JAAF is committed to working with CBSL to ensure that this reconciliation is done at the earliest.
JAAF member companies acknowledge the Governor’s remarks on the need for strict foreign exchange repatriation and conversion requirements over the short term to tide over current economic hardships. JAAF similarly commends the Governor’s remarks on the need to periodically relax the repatriation and conversion requirements “as it does not work” and move towards creating a suite of positive incentives that will encourage the voluntary repatriation and conversion in line with global standards and practices.
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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