Category: Economy
CBSL Responds to Concerns Regarding Staff Remuneration Revision
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has acknowledged recent media coverage of comments made by Members of Parliament regarding the latest revision of employee salaries. The CBSL emphasized that it will provide further information once granted the requested opportunity to address Parliament or receive a formal request for clarification. Full Statement Central Bank of […]
Sri Lankan Exporters Optimistic on Outlook 2024, despite Challenging Global Outlook
The recently released fifth Export Barometer Survey by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce showcases the resilience of Sri Lankan exporters despite a challenging global outlook. In a survey covering 2023 and forecasting 2024, exporters expressed confidence in their growth prospects. Amidst economic dynamics, the export sector exhibited robust growth in 2023. Exporters stressed that increasing […]
Eran: Is Sri Lanka the only country where inflation decreases when commodity prices continue to increase?
Samagi Jana Balawega MP Eran Wickramaratne said that Government by appointing a committee to review the compliance of the MoUs signed with foreign countries proves the government and the administration has no experience international relations. The President within 18 months of his coming to power has visited 14 countries and has signed several Memorandum of […]
Japan commits to Promoting Economic Governance through Anti-corruption Policy Support in SL
MIZUKOSHI Hideaki, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka and Ms. Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Sri Lanka, marked the launch of the new project titled ‘The Project for Promoting Economic Governance through Anti-corruption Policy Support’ through an official signing that took place in Colombo today, with the participation of senior government officials. […]
CCC Outlook 2024: Anticipated rebound depends crucially on effective debt restructuring
The 9th edition of the annual flagship Outlook Report for 2024 by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce was recently launched at the Economic Outlook 2024 seminar. Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, delivered the keynote address at the launch event. Compiled by the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) of the Ceylon […]
Relaxation of restrictions imposed on standing facilities
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka introduced restrictions on the usage of the Standing Facilities by the Licensed Commercial Banks (LCBs) under the Open Market Operations (OMOs), with effect from 16 January 2023 Accordingly, access to the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) was limited to a maximum of five (05) times per calendar month, while access […]
Sri Lanka and World Bank sign USD150 mn deal to strengthen financial sector resilience
The Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) and the World Bank signed an agreement for $150 million in financing for Sri Lanka to strengthen the resilience of the financial sector through the Financial Sector Safety Net Strengthening Project (FSSNP). In parallel, the project agreement between the World Bank and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) […]
‘s economic sovereignty
Sri Lanka, facing internal and external challenges, grapples with the aftermath of its external debt crisis, exacerbating existing economic issues. The Easter attacks, COVID-19 pandemic, global conflicts, and economic mismanagement have pushed Sri Lanka back to seeking IMF assistance. Despite government efforts, widespread poverty persists, exacerbated by low-pay and unemployment. The civil society warnings about […]
Sri Lanka’s total exports reached USD 14.94 Bn in 2023
Sri Lanka’s total exports reached US$ 14.94 Bn in 2023 including merchandise exports (US$ 11.85Bn) and estimated service exports (US$ 3.08 Bn). It is only a 0.39 % decline when compared to the value recorded in the previous year ( US$ 14.99 Bn). The estimated increase in service exports is around 63%. Sri Lanka’s Export […]
Primary & Budget Balances move in opposite directions as interest payments increase
The Fiscal Management Report 2024 published by the Ministry of Finance, shows that the Primary Balance improved from LKR -317 Bn in the 3rd quarter of 2022 to a positive LKR 124 Bn in the 3rd quarter of 2023, as reported by publicfinance.lk. The Budget Deficit, however, worsened from LKR -1,244 to LKR -1,614, this […]
IMF Staff concludes visit to Sri Lanka; highlights introduction of a progressive property tax
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission team led by Peter Breuer visited Sri Lanka from January 11 to 19, 2024 to discuss recent macroeconomic developments and progress in implementing economic and financial policies under the EFF arrangement. At the end of the mission, he issued the following statement: “The economic reform program implemented by the […]
Japanese Finance Minister Commends Economic Advancements in Sri Lanka
Japan’s Finance Minister, Suzuki Shunichi, arrived in Sri Lanka on a two-day official visit (11-12) aimed at deepening economic relations with the Sri Lankan Government. This visit is particularly significant amidst the economic challenges faced by Sri Lanka, prompting the implementation of comprehensive reform measures focusing on macro stability and debt sustainability. The Japanese Finance […]