*ACS Capital Research* *News Alert 21.05.2025* *Asian stocks rise* Asian stocks rose yesterday (20) while US Treasury yields steadied allowing a bit of a breathing room for the US dollar as investors took stock of the debt load of the world’s biggest economy and awaited trade deals. Source:https://www.themorning.lk/articles/VTie4U8fwOrtXC0mtHqr *Sri Lanka loan demand to growth faster in 2025 2Q: CB Survey* Sri Lanka’s loan demand and willingness to lend by bank has continued to be strong in the first quarter of 2025 and expected to continue, according to a survey by the central bank. Source:https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-loan-demand-expected-speed-up-in-2025-2q-cb-survey-221705/ *Low-income earners’ tax burden to be eased* In an effort to cushion low-income earners from the unintended impact of recent tax amendments, Sri Lanka is set to introduce a self-declaration system that will allow individuals earning below the tax-free threshold to be exempted from the revised 10 percent retention tax on interest income. Source:https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Low-income-earners-tax-burden-to-be-eased/273-309379 *Panasian Power commissions two 5MW solar projects* Panasian Power PLC announced the successful inauguration of two 5MW ground-mounted solar projects on 17 May 2025. Source:https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Panasian-Power-commissions-two-5MW-solar-projects/44-776682 *Tea production on recovery path with April output up by nearly 5 mn kgs* The tea industry showed renewed momentum in April 2025, with monthly production reaching 26.39 million kilograms, marking a year-on-year increase of 4.93 million kgs from 21.46 million kgs recorded in April 2024, official data showed. Source:https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Tea-production-on-recovery-path-with-April-output-up-by-nearly-5-mn-kgs/273-309380 *Emirates and Dilmah celebrate 33 years together and 33 m cups of tea served* Celebrating International Tea Day on 21 May, Emirates and Dilmah Tea will be presenting a complimentary pack of luxury leaf artisan teas to customers on all flights, commemorating a successful 33-year partnership, and more than 33 million cups of tea served every year. Source:https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Emirates-and-Dilmah-celebrate-33-years-together-and-33-m-cups-of-tea-served/44-776681 *Taisei Corp. 24.5% behind on Rs. 37 b terminal project* The Taisei Corporation, a Japanese construction and civil engineering company, has completed only 5.44% of the expected 30% progress on a Rs. 37 billion passenger terminal project, according to a statement released by the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) on Tuesday (20). Source:https://www.themorning.lk/articles/92SWOJSjG0ypJzCuVh05