Business
SL outperformed international peers on economic performance in 2020, says Central Bank
by Sanath Nanayakkare
In 2020, the performance of the Sri Lankan economy beat expectations of multilateral agencies, a Central Bank report released to the media stated yesterday.
The IMF projected Sri Lanka’s GDP projection for 2020 at -4.6%, while the World Bank and Asian Development Bank projected it would be -6.7% and -5.5% respectively, but the Central Bank of Sri Lanka made its GDP projection at -3.6% which turned out to be the real figure for the year, the Central Bank said.
The second wave of COVID-19 posed further setbacks in October/November 2020, but the economy is steadily progressing as displayed in latest economic indicators, it said.
Some indicators and details gleaned from the report are as follows.
COVID-19 pandemic has been contained to a large extent with the reported 90,514 Covid-19 infection cases and 551 deaths to date, while the local immunisation drive is continuing in the country allowing space for the economy to progress steadily.
The country is experiencing the third consecutive year of bumper paddy harvest. Tea production has returned to the levels observed in 2019. Rubber production is on an upward trend.Coconut production has recovered to a great extent. Electricity generation has normalised.
Data usage has shown strong growth, highlighting continuity of economic activity through online platforms and work-from-home arrangements. Local cement production has shown strong growth, depicting positive sentiments in the sector.
Industrial production has reached pre-pandemic levels with purchasing managers’indices show positive sentiments across manufacturing and services. Export earnings recovered, while imports remained subdued. narrowing the trade deficit.
Also backed with a notable rebound in workers’ remittances, the external current account deficit improved.
Despite the setback in 2020, a strong pipeline of FDI inflows awaits, particularly with the introduction of the Colombo Port City Commission law.
Recent policy measures have enabled a gradual absorption of forex related to workers’ remittances and exports proceeds, towards building forex reserves.
Debt servicing obligations were duly met, dispelling adverse speculation and uncertainties caused by the unwarranted sovereign rating downgrades.
The Colombo Stock Exchange displayed its potential as business confidence has retuirned.
Given subdued levels of inflation and inflation expectations, the Central Bank conducted monetary policy with a focus on supporting the economic recovery.
Monetary policy easing measures have resulted in historically low interest rates, thereby passing the benefit of low inflation to entrepreneurs.
Credit to the private sector is expanding as expansionary policies have been supported by well managed inflation and inflation expectations.
The novel economic model of the government is focused on strengthening macroeconomic fundamentals to realize economic aspirations for 2021.
Macroeconomic aspirations for 2021:
GDP Growth 6%, Per Capita GDP US$ 4,000, Trade Gap US$ 4 bn, External Current Account Surplus US$ 500 mn, Official Reserves US$ 5.5 bn, Budget Deficit 8.9% of GDP, Foreign Share of Debt to GDP 35% of GDP, Private Sector Credit Growth Rs. 850 billion and inflation 4.6%.
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
