Overview

New government sets out to rejuvenate Sri Lanka's energy and utilities
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In a manifesto released in the run-up to Sri Lanka’s 2015 presidential election, Maithripala Sirisena, the then-presidential candidate for the New Democratic Front party, put energy sector reform at the top of the agenda, noting that “energy constitutes one of the foremost factors deciding the future of the country”. Since winning the election, Sirisena’s government has followed up on this…

Overview

Tax incentives for Sri Lanka's IT industry drives innovation and foreign investment
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With national ICT policies and development dating back to the early 1980s, Sri Lanka’s IT sector stands at the regional forefront today, and is slated for further expansion on the back of both the government and the private sector’s intensifying focus on expanding exports and employment within the sector. Although unable to compete with its regional competitors in terms of size and volume, Sri…

Overview

A competitive market helps form a dynamic telecoms sector in Sri Lanka
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Sri Lanka’s vibrant telecommunications industry has benefitted from two decades of market liberalisation, with five competing mobile operators driving retail tariffs to some of the lowest levels worldwide. End users and operators benefit from the country’s position as a swing point between Europe and East Asia, and its advantageous geographic location atop a host of high-capacity submarine cable…

Overview

Improving quality and access key for improving education in Sri Lanka
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Sri Lanka’s education system is widely regarded as among the best in South Asia. A commitment to improving the quality of teaching at all levels and across the country has resulted in impressive outcomes in recent years. In 2015 the country’s literacy rate was 92%, and over 95% of the adult population had completed some level of schooling, according to government and UNESCO data. Research compiled…

Overview

Sri Lanka's highly efficient public health sector faces new private competition
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Free universal health care is enshrined in Sri Lanka’s Constitution. Its health care system delivers what is widely recognised as some of the highest-quality care in South Asia, despite spending considerably less than most other countries. The state-run public health system provides efficient, comprehensive and free medical services of all kinds. Currently, around 95% of inpatient care and 50% of…

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An overview of Sri Lanka's taxation framework
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In Sri Lanka taxes are levied by various regulatory authorities by virtue of the powers vested in them. Here, we have set out an outline of the key taxes of the country. The list is not exhaustive and aims to be of general guidance only. Income Tax Income tax is charged on every person (residents and non-residents) on profits and income. Residents are charged on their global income while non-residents…

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Exploring Sri Lanka's legal environment and investment climate
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Immigration-related challenges often create a deterring effect for foreign investors and for the activities of foreign-owned businesses in Sri Lanka, which certainly are necessary to integrating the country into global value chains. Obtaining a visa in Sri Lanka is a difficult process involving administrative procedures that vary depending on the sector. Foreign individuals are prohibited by law from…

Overview

COLOMBO
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RAMADA COLOMBO 30, Sir Mohamed Macan Markar Mawatha P.O. Box 1202, Colombo 3 T: +94 112 422 001 F: +94 112 447 977 www.ramadacolombo.com info@ramadacolombo.com Rooms: 94 luxury rooms in total. Business & Conference Facilities: Internet, fax, scanning, printing, secretarial services, ballroom with capacity for 700, two meeting rooms with 50 person seating capacity each and one boardroom. Health…

Overview

Experiencing Sri Lanka’s tea country
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The British brought tea to Sri Lanka in the mid-1800s and, quickly overtaking coffee, it has grown into one of the island nation’s most notable exports. Sri Lanka’s single-origin tea, Ceylon Tea, is highly sought after in international markets and well known companies like Dilmah sell it at a premium all over the world. However, while tea as a product continues to gain popularity, it also serves…