BIZ

Won’t be able to offer SriLankan to investors even for free – Minister

Published

1 year ago

February 27, 2024

nipuni

Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva yesterday (26) spoke firmly on the national carrier – SriLankan Airlines, stating that the airline’s disruptive employees and tarnished reputation would deter potential buyers in the privatisation process.

Speaking at a media briefing yesterday, he said “We cannot run an airline with disruptive employees. This is a critical moment for SriLankan Airlines. We cannot afford to entertain employees who fail to handle situations under pressure.”

“The deadline for the Expressions of Interest (EOIs) is set for 5 March and in the present scenario, according to the information I received some of the bidders want to withdraw. With the negative reputation plaguing the airline, we will not be in a position to offer it free-of-charge even,” the minister claimed.

However, SriLankan Airlines Chairman Ashok Pathirage’s views had contrasted starkly with that of Minister de Silva.

The discussion saw a disagreement regarding ground handling. Minister De Silva advocated for immediate privatization of the service, citing shortcomings. Chairman Pathirage, while acknowledging areas for improvement, argued that the lack of aircraft, not ground handling, was the primary issue. He blamed lengthy government procurement procedures for hindering fleet acquisition.

De Silva justified his push for privatization by citing the airline’s struggles and reports of potential bidders withdrawing their interest. While not inherently opposed to privatization, Pathirage emphasized the ongoing process and the lack of control the airline has in the decision.

Meanwhile, trade union representatives commended Pathirage for his leadership whilst blaming political interventions and its past management.

“We all undoubtedly praise the Chairman for his leadership and unwavering commitment to operate this airline amidst all odds. Neither the employees nor the current management of the SriLankan Airlines are responsible for the cancellations and bad reputation, but the political intervention,” they stated.

They also slammed the former COPE Chairmen and MPs Dr. Harsha de Silva and Dr. Charitha Herath for disrupting the lease procedure of the airline when the aircraft were at a lower price. “They are responsible for all the operational delays the airline is facing at present,” they claimed.

(Excerpts : DailyFT)

BIZ

End of parate relief for large SMEs

Published

7 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

8 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.