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GSP+: Can It Drive Inclusive Growth In Sri Lanka?
By Rashmi Anupama, Chaya Dissanayake, and Dr Asanka Wijesinghe In a mid-October 2024 meeting with the European Union (EU) Ambassador, Sri Lanka reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade relations with the EU, particularly highlighting the role of the GSP+ programme in boosting Sri Lankan exports. This discussion underscores the significance of the GSP+, which offers […]
Opinion: A Missed Opportunity – Why Harsha De Silva Could Have Been the Ideal Opposition Leader
By Chethana Ranathunga and Yasu-e Karunaratne Edussuriya A coalition that previously held only three seats has achieved a sweeping victory in Sri Lanka’s recent parliamentary elections. The Janata Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) led National People’s Power (NPP) coalition now controls over two-thirds of the legislature, a historic outcome unprecedented in Sri Lankan parliamentary history. This political […]
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva Issues Statement to Financial Community on Sri Lanka
Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), issued the following statement about Sri Lanka to Members of the Financial Community today: “The Sri Lankan authorities have been implementing an ambitious economic reform program supported by the IMF, which aims to restore debt sustainability and external viability, underpin broad macroeconomic reforms, and strengthen […]
Central Bank of Sri Lanka further eases its monetary policy stance
The Monetary Policy Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has decided to further ease the monetary policy stance and set the newly introduced Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 8.00 per cent. With this change, the effective reduction in the policy interest rate would be around 50 basis points from the current level of […]
CBSL implements Single Policy Interest Rate Mechanism by Introducing Overnight Policy Rate
The Monetary Policy Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has decided to implement a single policy interest rate mechanism transitioning from its dual policy interest rate mechanism, with effect from 27 November 2024. Accordingly, the Central Bank introduces the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR), as its primary monetary policy tool to signal and operationalise […]
Local Consortium of SL Commits to Supporting Govt’s International Sovereign Bond Restructuring
The Local Consortium of Sri Lanka (the “LCSL”), comprised of domestic commercial banks and financial institutions, commits its full support for the Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation launched today by the Government of Sri Lanka (the “Government”) to restructure the US$12.55bn in outstanding International Sovereign Bonds (“ISBs”) including terms tailored for local holders (the “Local […]
Global Sovereign Sector Outlook Is Neutral, with US Policy Risks to the Fore: Fitch Ratings
Global sovereign credit conditions are neutral entering 2025, as an only mild slowdown in world economic growth and further cuts to policy interest rates are balanced against persistent pressures on public finances and elevated geopolitical risks, Fitch Ratings says in its Global Sovereigns Outlook for 2025. Uncertainty over post-election US policies and their impact poses […]
Opinion: From Guesswork to Governance – How Data-Driven Policy Can Transform Sri Lanka’s Future
By Jithendra Antonio Amidst the sweeping wave of digital transformation, Sri Lanka stands at a consequential inflection point. While government decisions often rely on experience and tradition, the power of data can unlock solutions grounded in real-time evidence, directly addressing the needs of the people. Data-driven governance has proven transformative globally streamlining services, tackling corruption, […]
Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Staff-Level Agreement for Third Review of IMF Program
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce welcomes the announcement of a staff-level agreement for the third review under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Extended Fund Facility program for Sri Lanka. This agreement underscores the progress the country has made in implementing structural reforms and achieving fiscal sustainability during this critical period of economic recovery. While acknowledging […]
‘s behind the US indictment of Indian billionaire Gautam Adani?
Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, one of the world’s richest people, has been indicted on multiple counts of fraud in the US. The criminal charges are related to his alleged role in a scheme to bribe officials in India. Prosecutors say he and other senior executives paid more than 250 million dollars to win contracts for […]