The ongoing crisis in Sri Lanka’s business visa issuance is jeopardizing the nation’s economic recovery, as foreign buyers, suppliers, and technical experts struggle to obtain the necessary visas to enter the country, according to a statement from the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF). The Department of Immigration has failed to re-activate the online visa system
The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) has called on the Sri Lankan government to urgently address the challenges surrounding the issuance of short-term business visas, which have been suspended since August 2, 2024. JAAF highlighted that foreign business visitors—including buyers, machinery suppliers, and technical service providers—are encountering significant obstacles when attempting to enter Sri Lanka
The Finance Ministry has announced a reduction in the cess levy on imported cement by Rs. 1 per kilogram, effective from 6 September 2024. This adjustment was made under the authority of Ranil Wickremesinghe, Minister of Investment Promotion, and with the agreement of the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilisation, and National Policies. This decision revises
Sri Lanka’s Coconut Development Authority (CDA) will be granted expanded powers to regulate the quality of imported edible oils, including coconut and palm oil, according to a recent government statement. This decision was made following a proposal by Minister of Plantations, Mahinda Amaraweera, which received Cabinet approval. The move aims to protect the domestic coconut
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has unveiled his 2024 election manifesto, focusing on economic development, reducing the cost of living, creating jobs, raising wages, and improving welfare measures. The manifesto was officially launched on August 29 at the Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo, in front of politicians, celebrities, and other distinguished guests. The full manifesto,
The decision to resume egg imports has faced fierce opposition from local producers, who argue that Sri Lanka can meet domestic demand with locally produced eggs, even during peak festive periods, though at a higher price than the government’s import offer. The government announced last week that it would restart egg imports to stabilize prices
State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe announced yesterday that the Government plans to permit the importation of vehicles for private use starting in the first quarter of 2025. Additionally, permission for commercial vehicle imports will be granted by August this year. The initial phase will focus on allowing imports for business and transportation purposes. “Regarding