Sri Lanka’s positive economic growth, seen in early 2024, is likely to continue, supported by low inflation and a stable exchange rate, according to Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe. In the first quarter of 2024, the country’s economy expanded by 5.3 percent, as estimated by the state statistics office. Speaking at an international forum organized
Fitch Ratings has upgraded the national long-term rating of Habib Bank Limited – Sri Lanka Branch (HBLSL) to ‘AA-(lka)’, up from ‘A(lka)’. The outlook for the rating is stable. This upgrade follows the improved credit profile of HBLSL’s head office, Habib Bank Limited (HBL) in Pakistan, due to the recent upgrade of Pakistan’s sovereign rating.
DFCC Bank has reported a partial sale of its Sri Lankan sovereign bond holdings, resulting in a loss of 2.17 billion rupees. This transaction, however, led to the reversal of 2.45 billion rupees in previously set provisions. The bank’s sovereign bond portfolio was valued at 4.59 billion rupees by the end of December 2023, a
Hatton National Bank Plc (HNB) is set to raise up to Rs12 billion through a new debenture issue, the bank announced. The debentures, compliant with Basel III regulations, will be Tier 2, listed, rated, unsecured, subordinated, redeemable, and include a non-viability conversion feature. Each debenture will be priced at Rs100. The initial issue will include
Sampath Bank announced a significant financial performance for the first half of 2024, with a 45% increase in profit after tax (PAT) to Rs. 11.1 billion, up from Rs. 7.7 billion in the same period last year. The profit before tax (PBT) also saw a notable rise, reaching Rs. 18.5 billion, a 40% increase compared
Amãna Bank has inaugurated its latest self-banking centre at Kattankudy Beach Road, marking a significant expansion in its network. This new facility, located at the Al-Aqsa Mosque Complex, Beach Road, New Kattankudy 03, brings the bank’s total number of access points to 64 nationwide. This includes 33 full-service branches and 31 automated Self Banking Centres.
Pan Asia Bank has launched its new ‘SME Re-Energizer’ loan, a collaborative initiative with the Sri Lankan Government aimed at providing crucial financial support to SMEs and MSMEs across Sri Lanka. The ‘SME Re-Energizer’ loan offers investment opportunities up to Rs. 15 million per SME client with a valid business registration, featuring a competitive interest
Seylan Bank has launched Seylan Factoring, a new financial service designed to help businesses unlock funds by leveraging outstanding trade receivables. This service offers a fresh alternative to traditional lending by focusing on the quality of receivables and their collection process rather than broader repayment factors. Seylan Factoring enables clients to access up to 80%
On Monday, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Sri Lanka signed a $100 million loan agreement for Subprogram 1 of a policy-based loan (PBL) aimed at supporting significant reforms in the country’s power sector. This loan is part of a broader $300 million programmatic approach PBL, which includes three subprograms designed to
HNB Finance has expanded its services with the introduction of three new Gold Loan Units in response to increasing demand. The new units are located at Mathara Road, Beliatta; Puttalam Road, Kurunegala; and Madampa Road, Kuliyapitiya. The openings were marked by significant attendance: Deputy General Manager and Credit Head Indunil Jayawardena inaugurated the Beliatta branch,