Government revenue targets set by the 2011 budget have fallen short by Rs.33.59 billion from the estimated revenue last year, official sources said. According to the government’s Annual Accounts for 2011, total receipts and grants in the year was Rs. 974.297 billion against estimated revenue of Rs. 1.007 trillion.

Royal Ceramics Plc (RCL), in a bid to diversify into commodity broking bought Asia Siyaka Commodities Ltd's 51% stake this week, the company said. “The share transfer was done and the deal was completed at 5 pm on Thursday,” Nimal Perera, Chairman RCL which is controlled by businessman Dhammika Perera told the Business Times. He said that five new directors will be appointed by RCL to Asia Siyaka in a few weeks.