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Wednesday December 6th, 2023

Sri Lanka’s manufacturing picks up slow in Dec; services see upturn: PMI

ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s manufacturing sector has continued to slow down in December while services sector businesses have seeing an expansion according to a Purchasing Managers’ Index compiled by the central bank.

The manufacturing PMI was still below 50 at 44.8 percent mainly due to a decline in new orders and production in textile and wearing apparel sector.

“The decline in New Orders and Production was mainly driven by manufacturing of textile & wearing apparel sector. Subdued foreign demand due to seasonal holidays, and economic slowdown experienced in major export destinations was the main reasons for this decline,” Central Bank said.

“Manufacturers mentioned that, although supply-side impediments such as high input cost and shortage of foreign exchange that affected importation of raw materials are yet to be resolved, demand slowdown due to deteriorated purchasing power of the customers was the key issue that restricted them from increasing production.”

However Central Bank said that the businesses are expecting the conditions to improve in line with the economy stabilizing.

The Services PMI returned to the growth territory in Decembert 2022, with an index value of 51.6 after falling for two months in a row.

“Business Activities in the services sector continued its upward trend in December 2022,” Central Bank said.
“In line with the increase in tourist arrivals during the month, business activities related to other personal activities and accommodation, food and beverages sub-sectors showed significant improvements.

“Further, insurance, telecommunication and financial services sub-sectors also showed some increases compared to the previous month.”

However, business activities related to wholesale and retail trade sub-sector deteriorated further during the month amid the continued cost of living challenges and shortages of certain items.
(Colombo/Jan18/2023)

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Sri Lanka rupee closes stronger at 327.40/90 to the US dollar

ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s rupee closed at 327.40/90 to the US dollar on Tuesday, from 328.10/30 the previous day, dealers said.

Bond yields were stable.

A bond maturing on 01.06.2025 closed at 13.60/70 percent from 13.70/14.00 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.08.2026 closed at 13.90/14.00 percent from 13.90/14.10 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.01.2027 closed at 14.00/15 percent from 14.00/14.10 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.07.2028 closed at 14.10/20 percent from 14.20/35 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.05.2030 closed at 14.20/35 percent, from 14.25/45 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.07.2032 closed at 14.10/35 percent, from 14.05/40 percent. (Colombo/Dec5/2023)

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Sri Lanka stocks close down as investor sentiment dips

ECONOMYNEXT – The Colombo Stock Exchange closed down on Tuesday, CSE data showed.

The All Share Price Index was down 0.40 percent, or 43.50 points, at 10,700.09.

The S&P SL20 index was up 0.43 percent, or 13.32 points, at 3,054.41.

Turnover was at 711 million. The capital goods sector contributed 172 million, the food, beverage and tobacco sector contributed 140 million, and banks 113 million of this.

Top positive contributors to the ASPI in the day were John Keells Holdings Plc (up at 193.00), Richard Pieris And Company Plc (up at 19.80), and Nation Lanka Finance Plc, (up at 0.40).

Negative contributors were Commercial Bank of Ceylon Plc (down at 89.70), Sampath Bank Plc (down at 71.00), and Central Finance Company Plc, (down at 106.00). (Colombo/Dec5/2023).

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Sri Lanka plans to reduce number of school grades from 13 to 12

ECONOMYNEXT – The Ministry of Education proposes to reduce the number of school grades from 13 to 12, according to a government information department statement.

“Every child will be given the opportunity to finish school in 17 years through the proposed new education reforms,” education officials were quoted as saying after a discussion on budget allocations.

Under the proposed system, pre-school education will be at the age of 4 years, the primary section between grades 1-5, junior section between grades 6-8, and senior section between grades 9-12.

The General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level Exam (GCE O/L) is proposed to be conducted in grade 10, and the Advanced Level Examination in grade 12.

It has also been decided to reduce the number of mandatory subjects at the GCE O/L Exam from 9 to 7.

Three new subjects, information and communication technology (ICT), technical and professional skills, and religion and values will be made mandatory and included in those 7 subjects. (Colombo/Dec5/2023)

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