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ஜெனரல்
Sri Lanka’s State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) that come under harsh criticism for their financial inefficiencies have reported “robust performance” in the first four months of 2024, according to the Ministry of Finance. The surge in profitability is attributed to the appreciation of the rupee and comprehensive SOE reforms. These reforms include the introduction of cost-reflective electricity tariff adjustments in 2022, the implementation of a fuel price formula, and the restructuring of balance sheets for key SOEs. Accordingly, the key 52 SOEs recorded a total profit of Rs. 185.9 billion in the first four months of 2024, compared to the total profit of Rs. 144 billion recorded in the same period of 2023, data released in the Mid-Year Fiscal Report 2024 showed. The collection of levies and dividends from the SOEs increased to Rs. 13.2 billion in the first four months of 2024, compared to Rs. 9.6 billion in the same period of 2023.
The report highlighted that key initiatives for major SOEs paved the way for the improvement in performance. For State Owned Banks, the entities were pushed to enhance credit quality and improve monitoring and collections. While the banks were expected to be updated with the evolving regulatory landscape, implement necessary changes, and maintain transparent reporting practices, they were urged to adopt digital technologies to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer experience, and expand the reach. Developing new products to assist existing customers and attract new customers was an area of focus; however, the entities were also urged to expand financial services to underserved populations and promote financial inclusion. One of the key initiatives was to strengthen governance and risk management practices as approved by the Cabinet of Ministers in order to make the State-Owned Banks more competitive in the market.
