Finance and Economy

The global economic growth is driven by strong economic activity in India, alongside recoveries in Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

For Afghanistan, India’s support represents a vital lifeline as it navigates complex domestic and regional challenges. The agreement to promote trade, enhance humanitarian aid, and address shared security concerns lays the groundwork for a more cooperative relationship.

Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE), a key driver of domestic demand, is projected to grow by 7.3 per cent in 2024-25, a sharp increase from the 4.0 per cent growth recorded in 2023-24.

Officials said that development partners reduced grants for infrastructure projects following Bangladesh's graduation from Lower- Income Countries (LIC) status to Lower Middle- Income Country (LMIC) in 2013.

The amendment’s approval follows extensive deliberations among lawmakers and stakeholders.

Speaking at a press conference, BNP standing committee member and former state minister for power Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku emphasised the need for transparency.

SOEs, including SriLankan Airlines, Sri Lanka Telecom, and Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, have long been plagued by mismanagement and inefficiencies, burdening taxpayers.

The situation places Sri Lanka’s Left-of-Centre government in a precarious position as it seeks to balance economic imperatives with human rights concerns.