Analysis

Companero China is 74! – By Prof. Samitha Hettige

“Companero” means a mixture of companion & comrade in Spanish. The Chinese civilization is more than 7400 years & the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) established on October 1st 1949 shall celebrate 74th on October 1st 2023. On every occasion China honoured the other’s sect. With that China increased its own sect & the benefits…

(0)Comments | September 27, 2023 11:25 am

Sri Lanka’s Merchandise exports surpassed USD 1 billion mark in August 2023

Sri Lanka’s Export Performance in August 2023 Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports increased by 6.98 % to US$ 1,091.6 Million in August 2023 compared to July 2023 as per the provisional data released by the Sri Lanka Customs. However, it is a 10.91 % decrease when compared to the value recorded in August 2022. The decline…

(0)Comments | September 26, 2023 12:01 pm

Tea is an opportunity! – By Prof. Samitha Hettige

Western traders sailed searching for basic commodities when China reduced exports including “tea” through the ancient Silk Road. They ended up conquering lands & cultivating commercial crops as it gave high profits with low investments.  That was the beginning of western colonization which is still contributing to keep the European markets stable. However, unlike investors…

(0)Comments | September 22, 2023 10:09 am

JAAF calls for further strengthening of the DCTS through extended cumulation

The DCTS mirrors rules of origin restrictions that existed under the EU GSP + concessions The scheme offers extended cumulation which is an opportunity for Sri Lanka to increase utilisation of the scheme and help boost exports to the UK Exceptional circumstances need extraordinary solutions that help navigate unprecedented challenges. The macroeconomic crisis that Sri…

(0)Comments | September 21, 2023 1:47 pm

Sri Lanka’s economy contracts by 3.1% in 2Q 2023

Issuing a communiqué, on releasing National Accounts Estimates, the DCS states that the year on year GDP growth rate for the second quarter of 2023 has been estimated as 3.1 percent of negative growth rate, against the value reported in the same quarter in the year 2022. Further, the Gross Domestic Product for Sri Lanka for the…

(0)Comments | September 18, 2023 7:47 am

Tight fiscal and financial constraints are driving growth-at-all costs, according to UNDP collaboration with 95 countries

Analysis reveals policy choices in many developing countries are severely limited, widening the gap between ambition and progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but also identifies innovative strategies to accelerate development The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released new research today that shows securing the wellbeing of people and planet too often hangs in…

(0)Comments | September 14, 2023 12:40 pm

Why Police? Does Discipline matter? – By Prof. Samitha Hettige

SL Police turned 157 on 3rd September. It has been a showpiece in the British Empire with investigations such as the Duff House murder (1920s) etc. The case was one of the first instances science based evidence was referred for police investigations in the Empire (Ref Alles). In recent times Police STF won feathers at…

(0)Comments | September 11, 2023 3:53 pm

Reserve Trends Diverge Among APAC Sovereigns

Fitch Ratings: Reserve dynamics among APAC sovereigns appear to be diverging, with potential implications for their credit profiles, says Fitch Ratings. Some central banks have been able to accumulate reserves on current account improvements or investment inflows, while others still see their currencies under pressure from US Fed tightening prospects. Official reserves among Fitch-rated sovereigns…

(0)Comments | September 8, 2023 12:45 pm

The Value of Trade in Services (when BRI is ten) – By Prof. Samitha Hettige

The 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) will be held in Beijing from 2 – 6 September 2023. Approx 2200 companies representing all parts of the world are participating at the event. The guest of honour in the education services sector this year is the United Kingdom. This indicates the level China…

(0)Comments | September 4, 2023 7:22 am

Biz sentiment dampens despite tapering inflation and relaxed import restrictions

Business Sentiment – Confidence at a Five Month Low Drastic disinflation after 19 months in double digits, questions regarding the impact of the domestic debt optimisation framework (DDO) and its impact on the fiscal outlook, and an easing of import restrictions are among the most recent vicissitudes on the minds of businesspeople. The Central Bank…

(0)Comments | August 28, 2023 1:51 pm