BIZ

No shortage of eggs ; won’t allow price hike – Minister

Published

3 years ago

November 13, 2022

editor

Minister of Trade Nalin Fernando says that immediate legal action will be taken against the individuals who are hoarding egg stocks.

The minister pointed out that there is no shortage of eggs in the country, but some people are trying to portray that there is a shortage of eggs.

In the last few days, the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) had conducted raids in search of traders who were selling eggs at rates higher than the controlled price. In contrast, steps were taken to produce several traders who sold eggs at higher prices before courts and were also fined.

However, Ada Derana correspondents reported that eggs are not being sold within several parts of the island.

Meanwhile, the President of the All Ceylon Egg Producers’ Association, Sarath Ratnayake mentioned that it is problematic to sell eggs at the government’s controlled prices in view of the current market situation.

Further, he emphasized that if the price of Rs. 55 is given per egg, the shortage of eggs in the market can be avoided.

When inquired by “Ada Derana” in this regard, Minister of Trade, Nalin Fernando expressed that the government will not grant permission to raise the price of eggs.

(adaderana.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

BIZ

End of parate relief for large SMEs

Published

6 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

6 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.