2025-08-04
The Committee on Public Finance took into consideration an Order inclusive of updated guidelines on outward investments, introducing increased thresholds for local companies to invest overseas and streamlining processes to facilitate cross-border expansion.
The said Order under Section 22 of the Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2441/14 of 18.06.2025 was thus approved after having considered.
These matters were discussed at the meeting of Committee on Public Finance Chaired by Hon. Member of Parliament (Dr.) Harsha de Silva on 29.07.2025.
Under the new framework, the investment limit for listed companies has been raised from USD 500,000 to USD 750,000 and the limit for unlisted companies has been increased from USD 150,000 to USD 200,000. Companies seeking to invest beyond these limits can now borrow from foreign sources up to USD 2 million, with Central Bank oversight and any investment exceeding USD 2 million will require special approval.
All outward investments must be routed through a designated Outward Investment Account (OIA) in Sri Lanka before funds can be transferred abroad. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has granted general permission to licensed banks to facilitate these transactions swiftly, ensuring companies can access opportunities without undue delays.
Officials who attended the meeting emphasized that these reforms aim to encourage Sri Lankan businesses, particularly in the technology and software sectors to pursue global expansion while maintaining oversight of capital flows. The changes come amid concerns that previous restrictions were prompting some firms to relocate overseas.
Speaking on the updated guidelines, Central Bank of Sri Lanka representatives assured that short-term supplier credit (DA terms) remains classified as a current account transaction, with no additional restrictions.
The Committee also took into consideration the Regulation made under Section 35 of the Public Debt Management Act, No. 33 of 2024 published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2443/14 of 30.06.2025. Approval for the Regulation was granted following a discussion at length.
The Committee reviewed cross-border letter of credit (LC) and de-registration requirements pertaining to the importation of vehicles. Moreover, the Committee also inquired on the suggested improvements to the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill and e-commerce platform taxation and related matters.
Reviewing the Regulation under Section 35 of the Public Debt Management Act, No. 33 of 2024, State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) will no longer have unrestricted access to international borrowing under the new frame work. They must now undergo stress tests using an IMF-introduced tool to qualify for sovereign guarantees from the Treasury. This mechanism determines risk premiums in addition to lender interest rates, making borrowing more expensive while promoting fiscal discipline among SOEs.
Officials further noted that, based on the Public Debt Management Act, Sri Lanka currently operates under a 7.5% of GDP borrowing ceiling, with approximately 5% of GDP already utilized. This leaves only 2.5% borrowing capacity for future growth and development financing.
The Committee also received an update on the cross-border letter of credit (LC) requirements for vehicle imports. Treasury officials informed the Committee that the Cabinet of Ministers has decided to re-export all vehicles imported under cross-border LCs, though this decision is currently under legal challenge, preventing further discussion.
Moreover, the Committee also inquired on the BYD vehicle issue, where over 1,000 cars remain detained at the Port, the Chair questioned custom officials about allegations against one of the country's major companies. Customs officials indicated investigations into suspected engine capacity understatement to avoid taxes, as duties are calculated based on engine capacity. While investigations continue, the Chair expressed concern about potential diplomatic implications, urging authorities to apply international standards rather than local investigations that may not meet international benchmarks.
The Committee also discussed proposed improvements to the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, with the Committee advocating for the inclusion of the National Lotteries Board and Development Lotteries Board within the regulatory framework, emphasizing that lotteries constitute gambling and should not be excluded.
The officials present also stated that concerns pertaining to e-commerce platform taxation has been resolved. They stated that operations are now flowing smoothly following earlier delays caused by the switch back to HS code-based taxation.
The meeting was attended by Hon. Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Hon. Members of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake, Rauff Hakeem, Attorney at Law, and (Dr.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne.
2026-11-14
The financial crisis faced by SriLankan Airlines, frequent flight delays, debt burden and delays in procurement processes for acquiring new aircraft were discussed extensively at the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development.These matters were discussed when the Committee met recently in Parliament under the chairmanship of Hon. S. M. Marikkar, Member of Parliament.During the meeting, concerns were raised over the inadequacy of the airline’s existing fleet of 23 aircraft, which are approximately 12 years old. Technical issues and operational delays arising from the ageing fleet were also discussed. It was pointed out that a technical fault or any other disruption involving a single aircraft could affect the entire flight network due to the limited availability of alternative aircraft.The Committee also focused on the failure of conventional procurement processes previously undertaken to acquire aircraft and the lengthy delays associated with them. It was stated that a special set of procurement guidelines had been prepared for the purchase of aircraft and related equipment, and arrangements were being made to gazette these guidelines. It was further revealed that a dedicated procurement unit had been established at the Ministry level to directly oversee the procurement process.Under the new procurement guidelines, plans are underway to expand the airline’s fleet. It is expected that one new narrow-body aircraft and two wide-body aircraft will be added to the fleet by next June. Officials also stated that increasing the fleet to at least 29 aircraft by 2029 is one of the key targets of the five-year plan.It was explained that several measures had been taken through the General Treasury to improve the financial position of SriLankan Airlines, including the takeover of outstanding bank loans and bond-related debt. Attention was also drawn to reducing aircraft leasing costs, managing fuel expenditure and implementing commercial strategies to increase the airline’s revenue.The impact of the prevailing crisis in the Middle East, rising fuel prices and competition from international airlines on SriLankan Airlines’ operations and revenue was also discussed.Furthermore, it was stated that the committee appointed by the Government to restructure SriLankan Airlines was considering several options, including attracting new investors, establishing a public-private partnership, or retaining the airline under State ownership while bringing its operations to a level where it could cover its costs.Accordingly, the Committee instructed the relevant authorities to submit a comprehensive report to Parliament and the Ministry before November 30, outlining the measures required to bring SriLankan Airlines to a cost-recovery level within the next two to three years.Hon. Members of Parliament Ajith P. Perera, Nalin Bandara Jayamaha, Ravindra Bandara, Manjula Suweera Arachchi, Chathura Galappaththi, Dhanushka Ranganath, Jagath Vithana, Shantha Padma Kumara Subasinghe and Attorney-at-Law Geetha Herath also attended the Committee meeting.
2026-11-14
The Committee on Ways and Means held an extensive discussion on Sri Lanka’s tariff policies and the current status of trade agreements. The meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Hon. Vijesiri Basnayake, Member of Parliament at Parliament recently.Mr. Somasena Mahadiulwewa, Director General (Acting) of the Department of Commerce of Sri Lanka, provided a detailed explanation to the Committee on these matters. The discussion focused on the current status of Sri Lanka’s bilateral and multilateral trade agreements and measures to move them forward.The Committee stressed the importance of conducting feasibility studies on trade agreements that are currently under negotiation and taking the necessary steps to ensure that these discussions continue.Hon. Deputy Ministers Chathuranga Abeysinghe and Eranga Weeraratne, and Hon. Members of Parliament Ashoka Sapumal Ranwala, Thilina Samarakoon, Champika Hettiarachchi and Chathura Galappaththi, among others, also participated in the Committee meeting.
2026-11-13
The Prevention of Foreign Terrorist Fighters Bill received the approval of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations.The Bill was considered and approved when the Sectoral Oversight Committee met recently in Parliament under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament (Attorney-at-Law) Lakmali Hemachandra. The Bill has been presented to give effect to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2178, adopted on 24 September 2014, which addresses the prevention and suppression of the threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters, and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.The Bill was presented to Parliament for its First Reading on 20 October by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.Officials explained to the Committee that legal action could be instituted in Sri Lanka under this Act in cases where an offence has been committed within or outside Sri Lanka by a Sri Lankan citizen or a citizen of another country, provided that the act in question also constitutes an offence under the law of the relevant country.Officials further informed the Committee that engaging in terrorist activities, planning or preparing such activities, participating in them, as well as providing or receiving terrorist training, have been defined as offences under the proposed Act.The officials also emphasized that these legal provisions had not been introduced on an ethnic basis or with the intention of targeting Sri Lankans residing overseas.Following an extensive discussion, the Committee approved the Bill. However, Hon. Member of Parliament Sivagnanam Shritharan, a member of the Committee, expressed his opposition to the Bill.Hon. Members of Parliament Suranga Rathnayake, Thilina Samarakoon, Wijesiri Basnayake and Sivagnanam Shritharan, among others, attended the Committee meeting. Government officials representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, the Ministry of Defence, the Attorney General’s Department and the Legal Draftsman’s Department were also present.
2026-11-13
Salary anomalies arising when teachers are appointed to the Sri Lanka Principals’ Service were discussed at length at a subcommittee appointed by the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education, Manpower and Human Capital.These matters were discussed when the subcommittee met recently under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Sunil Rajapaksa.Representatives of trade unions of the Sri Lanka Principals’ Service and officials representing the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development participated in the meeting.Trade union representatives pointed out that one of the main reasons for these salary anomalies was the fact that the transition from the Teachers’ Service to the Principals’ Service was treated as a “new appointment” rather than a promotion.They further noted that the situation was exacerbated by the significant difference in salary increments when teachers in Grade I of the Teachers’ Service are appointed to Grade III of the Principals’ Service.They also pointed out that although an adjustment allowance had been granted to compensate for the salary difference arising from the appointment to the Principals’ Service, a further salary disparity emerges over time. This is because officers do not receive the higher salary increments, they would have been entitled to had they remained in the Teachers’ Service.It was further emphasized that this situation has discouraged senior and experienced teachers serving in Grades I and II-I of the Teachers’ Service from sitting for the Principals’ Service examination and joining the Principals’ Service.The Chairman of the Subcommittee stated that, having considered the matters presented to the Committee, steps would be taken to submit the relevant recommendations to the Salaries and Pensions Commission for Public Officers.In addition, the Subcommittee decided to hold discussions with the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and the Director General of Establishments to address other issues faced by officers serving in the Principals’ Service.Hon. Members of Parliament Abubakar Athambawa, Sugath Wasantha de Silva and Chanaka Madugoda also attended the meeting.
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