Category: Economy
CCPI inflation increases to 9.9-pct; annual average rises to 5.3-pct in November
Headline inflation, as measured by the year-on-year (Y-o-Y) change in the Colombo Consumer Price Index, increased to 9.9 percent in November 2021 from 7.6 percent in October 2021. Meanwhile, the CCPI measured on an annual average basis, increased to 5.3 percent in November 2021 from 4.8 percent in October 2021. Inflation was driven by monthly […]
“Dark future looming as foreign reserve drop to USD 1.5Bn, lowest in history” Eran
The opposition alleged in Parliament that foreign reserves have dropped to US 1.5 billion dollars which included the gold reserves of US 300 million dollars. The Govt. did not refute the opposition claim that the available cash reserve was only USD 1.5 billion less than one month’s import payment, lowest in history. He told a […]
Policy interventions require that may be unpopular, says President at Export Awards
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that in the future too many unpopular decisions will have to be taken to overcome the global economic challenges and to keep the country on the path to prosperity. Even though the people criticized these interventions, the country and the people would reap the benefits in the near future, the President […]
Inflation Is a Greater Policy Test for Emerging-Market Sovereigns: Fitch Ratings
Higher inflation is generally credit negative for sovereigns, but presents particular risks for emerging markets (EMs), as they often face higher and more volatile inflation than developed markets (DMs), and are exposed to greater currency instability, says Fitch Ratings. Fitch believes global goods price pressures will ease from early 2022, but inflation could remain elevated […]
CBSL maintains policy rates; further acceleration of headline inflation expected
The Monetary Board of the Central Bank has decided to maintain the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) of the Central Bank at their current levels of 5.00 percent and 6.00 percent, respectively. The Board noted the recent acceleration of inflation, driven mainly by supply disruptions and the surge […]
‘s headline inflation increased to 8.3-pct in October
Headline inflation, as measured by the year-on-year (Y-o-Y) change in the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI, 2013=100)1, increased to 8.3 percent in October 2021 from 6.2 percent in September 2021 driven by monthly increases of prices of items in both Food and Non-food categories. Meanwhile, Food inflation (Y-o-Y) increased to 11.7 percent in October 2021 […]
Sri Lanka records highest-ever export figure in any October
Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports increased by 35.9% to US$ 1,160.62 Million in October 2021 compared to October 2020 as per the data released by the Sri Lanka Customs. Exports maintained above one billion for the fifth time this year. “This is the highest-ever merchandise export figure in any October in our history,” EDB Chairman, Suresh […]
JICA extends support for Sri Lanka’s socio-economic development
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is ready to support the socio-economic development needs of Sri Lanka, said JICA, Director General South Asia Mr. Sakamoto Takema. Mr. Sakamoto Takema made these remarks when he met President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the President’s House in Colombo, today (16). President Rajapaksa recalled that when he was the Secretary […]
Finance Minister proposes to release all vehicles seized at Customs subject to taxes
Finance Minister proposes to release all vehicles seized at the Sri Lanka Customs owing to non-payment of applicable taxes and other reasons. Such release will be subject to the applicable taxes and fines. It is also proposed to impose a fee on vehicles meeting with accidents with the opportunity of reimbursing this fee from the […]
Government seeks to collect Rs 140bn from Social Security Contribution
Aiming to rebuild Sri Lanka’s economy affected by the Covid pandemic, a “Social Security Contribution” has been proposed by the Finance Minister. This contribution will be charged at 2.5 percent on the annual threshold turnover exceeding Rupees 120 million. Rupees 140 billion is expected as revenue through this contribution. This will be effective from 01 […]
Central Bank expects inflation to remain high at around 8-9% in next few months
Sri Lanka’s Central Bank expects inflation to remain high at around 8-9% in the next few months, before gradually reverting to the desired 4-6% level thereafter. Releasing the ‘Recent Economic Developments’ report, the Central Bank said that the upward adjustments in retail market prices of some commodities, mainly driven by supply side factors and increased […]
CBSL expects reserves to remain around USD 3.5bn by end 2021; USD 4bn on average in 2022
Sri Lanka’s Central Bank expects gross official reserves to remain at around USD 3.5 bn at the end of 2021, and around USD 4.0 bn on average in 2022. Releasing the ‘Recent Economic Developments’ report, the Central Bank said that it expects financial flows to strengthen in the period ahead with the envisaged inflows in […]