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

No cases filed against 22 banned pyramid schemes – CBSL

Published

3 hours ago

July 9, 2025

editor

Although the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has banned 22 institutions operating illegal pyramid schemes, no legal action has been taken against any of them so far, according to reports.

This was disclosed during a workshop held at the CBSL yesterday (July 08) on the dangers of pyramid schemes.

According to CBSL officials, after initial investigations, the files were handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further inquiry.

The CID’s Financial Crimes Unit has reportedly completed its investigations and submitted findings to the Attorney General’s Department, which is responsible for filing cases.

However, it was noted that not a single case has been filed to date.

The CBSL states that investigations will be continued against companies engaged in these illegal practices and hopes at least one or two such cases would be filed by the end of this year or early next year (2026).

BIZ

Bowser owners warn of fuel distribution crisis

Published

4 hours ago

July 9, 2025

editor

The Ceylon Petroleum Private Bowser Owners’ Association has alleged that fuel distribution operations have been arbitrarily handed over to another party, which could disrupt fuel transportation across the country.

The association’s Treasurer – Jagath Parakrama warned that the move could jeopardize distribution if not reversed immediately, claiming there is an attempt to create a monopoly over fuel transport.

Parakrama noted that bowser owners, numbering around 400–500 in the association, have long handled the transport of fuel from bulk storage depots island-wide.

He alleged that authorities are now trying to award the fuel transportation route from Colombo and Muthurajawela to Kurunegala to a single businessman via a tender process.

He added, “If we don’t transport the fuel, no one else will be able to do so. However, in the last two or three years, this business was about to be handed over to a few large-scale business people. We, as an association, intervened and managed to stop it for a long time. But now, they are trying to hand over this transportation service to their close associates.”

He stressed that fuel transportation should remain a public service, warning that allowing a monopoly could lead to issues similar to those faced by other transport services.

BIZ

CSE appoints new CRO

Published

5 hours ago

July 9, 2025

editor

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has announced the appointment of Ms. Nilupa Perera as the Chief Regulatory Officer (CRO), effective from today (July 09).

She succeeds Mr. Renuke Wijayawardhane, who retires after an outstanding 31-year career at the CSE.

Ms. Perera, previously served as Senior Vice President – Broker Supervision and Listed Entity Compliance among several other roles at the CSE, and has completed a structured period of understudy in preparation for this role.With over 17 years of experience at the CSE, Ms. Perera brings deep regulatory expertise and a strong understanding of capital market operations. Her appointment ensures continuity and strategic focus in the Exchange’s regulatory function.

Mr. Wijayawardhane will continue to support the transition in a non-executive capacity, ensuring a smooth and seamless handover.