BIZ

CBSL cancels license of Bimputh Finance PLC

Published

2 years ago

September 1, 2023

editor

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has announced that the licence issued to Bimputh Finance PLC under the Finance Business Act to carry on finance business, has been cancelled with effect from today (Sep. 01).

The CBSL made this announcement as follows :

Bimputh Finance PLC-Cancellation of Licence issued under the Finance Business Act, No. 42 of 2011

Bimputh Finance PLC (BFP), a Licensed Finance Company under the Finance Business Act, No. 42 of 2011 (FBA) has continuously been violating/contravening provisions of the FBA, several general Directions and Rules that have been issued with the view to achieve the overall objective of financial system stability and also specific directions issued to BFP in order to address the critical financial position of the company. Consequently, the financial condition of BFP had been deteriorating due to deficient capital level, poor asset quality and continuous losses.

Despite several time extensions granted to BFP by the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (Monetary Board) to comply with the provisions of the FBA, Directions and Rules issued thereunder and adhere to the Masterplan for Consolidation of Non-Bank Financial Institutions (the Masterplan), no satisfactory progress has been made by BFP to revive the critical condition faced by BFP.

In view of the above, the Monetary Board has decided to cancel the licence issued to BFP under the FBA to carry on finance business, with effect from 01.09.2023. Accordingly, BFP is not allowed to engage in Finance Business with effect from same date.

Largely complying with the Monetary Board directions issued, BFP managed to repay major portion of its deposit liabilities during 2022 and Sri Lanka Deposit Insurance and Liquidity Support Scheme (SLDILSS) will initiate necessary actions to pay compensation to the unclaimed depositors of BFP, up to a maximum of Rs. 1,100,000/- per depositor as per the regulations of the SLDILSS. Accordingly, all eligible depositors of BFP will be able to recover their deposits in full through SLDILSS upon submitting due claims within two years from the date of cancellation of licence or before the appointment of the liquidator by competent court, whichever occurs earlier as per the regulation of SLDILSS.

Further, all debtors of BFP are advised to repay their dues to BFP on time, only through a bank account under the name of BFP and maintain records for all such payments.

You may contact the Department of Supervision of Non-Bank Financial Institutions through the following for further clarifications.

Telephone : 0112 477229, 0112 477504
Fax : 0112 477 738
E mail : [email protected]

BIZ

End of parate relief for large SMEs

Published

20 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

The grace period granted to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) under Sri Lanka’s Parate Execution Law officially ended midnight yesterday (June 30) for businesses with loans exceeding Rs. 50 million.

The Parate Law grants banks the authority to seize properties pledged as collateral without court proceedings. Although its implementation had been suspended for three months by the current administration—and for six months earlier under former President Ranil Wickremesinghe—it has now been reinstated, triggering serious concern among entrepreneurs.

Deputy Minister of Economic Development – Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando has stated that the government intends to hold discussions with all relevant parties in the coming days to address the issues linked to the law’s reimplementation.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader – Sajith Premadasa has warned that the re-implementation of the Parate Execution Law could lead to the rapid auctioning of assets from small, medium, and micro businesses, putting them at risk.

In a statement yesterday (June 30), he emphasized that these businesses contribute over 50% to Sri Lanka’s Gross Domestic Production (GDP) and employ over 04 million people.

BIZ

Special FD scheme for senior citizens introduced

Published

20 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Finance has officially launched the special fixed deposit scheme for senior citizens.

Proposed in the Budget 2025, the scheme which is open to resident Sri Lankan citizens aged 60 years and above, comes into effect from today (July 01).

Eligible fixed deposits can be opened between July 01, 2025, and December 31, 2025, and must have a 12-month tenure.

The scheme will be implemented through the 17 licensed commercial banks; five (05) government banks and twelve (12) private banks that have confirmed participation. As part of the process, customers are required to provide a declaration confirming that the funds deposited are their own, their monthly income is less than Rs. 150,000, consenting to the sharing of relevant information with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development for verification purposes, agreeing that any false information provided will result in disqualification from receiving the interest subsidy.

The government has allocated Rs. 30 billion to cover interest subsidies under this initiative.

Key features of the scheme:
– Deposit Period: 12 months (1 year)

– Deposit Limit: Maximum of Rs. 1 million

– Interest Benefit: Depositors will receive either

An additional 3% over the Average Weighted Fixed Deposit Rate (AWFDR), or
An additional 3% over the declared fixed deposit rate—whichever yields a higher return.

Senior citizens interested in availing themselves of the benefits are encouraged to visit the nearest bank branch starting today. Applicants must provide valid documentation, including their National Identity Card (NIC) and Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).

This scheme aims to support the financial security of senior citizens by offering them a safer and higher-yielding savings option.