Connect with us

News

IMF commends SL’s progress on debt sustainability

Published

on

The IMF has commended Sri Lanka’s progress towards achieving debt sustainability, with Senior Mission Chief Peter Breuer highlighting the successful execution of domestic debt restructuring and the finalization of agreements with the Official Creditor Committee and China EXIM Bank as major milestones in this effort.

“The authorities have made commendable progress with putting debt on a path towards sustainability,” Breuer said. “The execution of the domestic debt restructuring and finalizing the agreements with the Official Creditor Committee and China EXIM Bank are major milestones.”

The IMF has been closely involved in assessing Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring initiatives.

Breuer noted that IMF staff reviewed the “Joint Working Framework” announced after the second round of restricted discussions with the bondholder committee. This assessment was shared with Sri Lankan authorities and the financial advisors of the bondholders.

“We encourage a swift resolution of the remaining steps to achieve debt sustainability and regain investor confidence,” Breuer added. “We will continue to support Sri Lanka’s ongoing debt restructuring efforts.”

Looking ahead, the IMF will formally assess Sri Lanka’s progress in meeting key commitments under the IMF-supported program during the third review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

The timing of this review will be discussed with the government following the announcement of the upcoming presidential elections.

(newsfirst.lk)

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

BIZ

Gem & jewellery export revenue drops by 25% due to taxes!

Published

on

By

Although gems and jewellery worth US$477 million were exported in 2023, exports have fallen by 25% to US$360 million last year (2024) after the imposition of taxes on the gem and jewellery industry, says Chairman of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) – Mr. Navin Sooriyarachchi.

He stated this at a media briefing held at the Government Information Department yesterday (July 07).

This media briefing was held to inform the media about the newly opened VAT Refund Counter at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake.

He said that following discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), taxes were imposed on their industry from January 01, 2024.

Accordingly, an 18% VAT was imposed when selling gems and jewelry to tourists as well as when importing rough gemstones. In addition, a 45.14% tax was imposed on gold imports, he added.

Noting that the NGJA has issued about 8,000 mining licenses, he said that these should produce gemstones worth over US$ 1.5 billion annually, assuming that around 50% of these mines were profitable.

He added that Gem and Jewellery had the potential to be the second largest primary export of the country.

However, following the imposition of the 18% VAT, sales have declined significantly, Mr. Sooriyarachchi says, adding that competitive practices such as post purchase VAT refunding followed by other countries have further affected this situation.

Continue Reading

News

8 DIGs in India

Published

on

By

It is reported that 02 senior DIGs and 07 DIGs have simultaneously left for overseas courses.

Eight of them have gone to India for a course that will be held until July 12th. 

The Police HQ has taken measures to appoint other SDIGs and DIGs to cover duties of these officers, reports say.

The officers who are overseas in these manner are Senior DIGs Waruna Jayasundara and Dhanapala Abeywickrama as well as DIGs Sujith Wedamulla, Nuwan Mendis, Udith Liyanage, Pradeep Kalupahana, Sarath Kumara, Indika Hapugoda and H.C.A. Pushpakumara.

Continue Reading

News

Consultant neurosurgeon further remanded

Published

on

By

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has ordered to further remand Dr. Maheshi Wijeratne, a consultant neurosurgeon attached to the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, until July 15.

Dr. Wijeratne was previously arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and subsequently remanded.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali issued the order after considering the facts presented by officials from the CIABOC and legal representatives of the defense.

The court also ordered the release on bail of two other suspects who had been remanded over the same case.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Sri Lanka Mirror. All Rights Reserved