TRANSPORT NETWORK
The Road Development Authority (RDA) of Sri Lanka announced that two more sections of the Southern Expressway (E01) will be opened for vehicular traffic
BIZ DEVELOPMENT
Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Akira Sugiyama has welcomed an invitation extended to the Japanese biz community to invest in industrial zones
RAIL SERVICES
The country’s first intercity train between Colombo Fort and Badulla – Denuwara Menike – commenced service on the main line recently
WATER SUPPLY
The construction of three major reservoirs in the Uma Oya Hydropower Complex (a.k.a. Uma Oya Multipurpose Development
BUSINESS CLIMATE
Sri Lanka has moved one place higher and is now ranked 99th of 190 countries in the Doing Business 2020 index, according to the World Bank
TOURISM INDUSTRY
Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs announced that it would launch a short-term TV marketing campaign
GLOBAL FINANCE
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has delisted Sri Lanka from its compliance document a.k.a. the ‘grey list
HEALTHCARE SECTOR
A doubling of collective efforts to create awareness on mental health challenges is required –as urged by Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN
NATIONAL AGENDA
The Government of Sri Lanka recently passed a bill to establish a National Innovation Agency (NIA) to promote innovation and research at the country level
GLOBAL INDEX
Sri Lanka is ranked 14th in the Trade20 index compiled by Standard Chartered, which reveals the 20 markets with the highest potential for future trade growth
ECONOMIC POSITION
The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has indicated that it would maintain the present monetary policy stance – given the prevailing
ARTS AND CRAFTS
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce announced a free insurance facility for the historic crafts and handicraft sectors recently
AVIATION INDUSTRY
Sri Lanka’s cabinet of ministers has approved a proposal put forward by Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Arjuna Ranatunga to rename the Palaly Airport
TRANSPORT SYSTEM
The inauguration of construction work for a multimodal passenger transport terminal in Kandy took place recently under the patronage of several
REGIONAL SUPPORT
Sri Lanka has welcomed a proposal for the Maldives to be readmitted into the Commonwealth and its participation at the Commonwealth Heads
BALANCE OF TRADE
The External Sector Performance Review published by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka reveals that Sri Lanka’s trade deficit widened in July compared to the corresponding
REAL ESTATE
Standalone hotels are not viable in Sri Lanka due to excessive construction costs, high domestic interest rates and currency depreciation, according to
TOURIST TRADE
As Sri Lanka recovers from the events that took place in April this year and regains its position among the best tourist destinations in the world
LAW ENFORCEMENT
The Election Commission of Sri Lanka has stated its commitment to taking stern action against anyone found violating election laws in the run-up
INVESTMENT PROSPECTS
Several Indian industrial financiers are interested in Sri Lankan investment projects, ranging from mega infrastructure to smaller outlays, Minister of Industry
