Business
Lower motor vehicle imports contribute towards narrowing 2020 trade deficit by approx. USD 2 billion
‘Since importation of motor vehicles into Sri Lanka takes a significant portion of the total import bill of the country, that is 3 per cent in 2020, reduction in motor vehicle imports contributed largely towards narrowing the trade deficit. Accordingly, the trade deficit contracted notably by around USD 2 billion in 2020, a Ceylon Chamber of Commerce press release, announcing the release of the latest Motor Vehicle Industry Report, covering key trends in 2019 and 2020, said.
The release:
This publication prepared by the Economic Intelligence Unit of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) provides a detailed analysis and overview of Sri Lanka’s motor vehicle Industry covering both 2019 and 2020. The report features the latest information on economic contribution of the industry, motor vehicle registration, ownership transfers, population, imports of motor vehicles (a detailed analysis by vehicle category and HS code), issuance of driving licenses, recent regulatory developments, the way forward and global motor vehicle industry.
The report highlights that both 2019 and 2020 were challenging years for Sri Lanka’s motor vehicle industry due to import restriction. As such, imports of motor vehicles recorded a notable decline during last two years, after experiencing a significant growth in 2018. Since importation of motor vehicles into Sri Lanka takes a significant portion of the total import bill of the country (3% in 2020), reduction in motor vehicle imports contributed largely to narrowing of the trade deficit. Accordingly, the trade deficit contracted notably by around USD 2 Bn in 2020 and this contraction was significantly contributed by the lowered motor vehicle imports during the year. The decline in motor vehicle imports resulted in loss of revenue to the government mainly due to fall in collection of excise duty and luxury tax. Due to the fall in imports, there was a 45% drop of motor vehicle new registrations. As such, total registrations of 2020, hit the lowest for the last decade and even lower than the registrations recorded in 2009, when the world experienced the global financial crisis.
To purchase a copy of the report (e-version), contact Saumya Amarasiriwardane, Senior Research Associate, Economic Intelligence Unit of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on 011-55-888-83/ saumya@chamber.lk or online through the Business Publications section of the CCC website (www.chamber.lk).
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
