Category: Economy
Fitch Ratings: Is Sri Lanka Headed for Default?
Sri Lanka’s external liquidity position remains stressed, with USD26 billion in sovereign foreign-currency obligations coming due between now and 2026, against foreign-exchange reserves of only USD3.5 billion as of end-August (up from USD2.8 billion in July reflecting the receipt of USD780 million from the IMF Special Drawing Rights (SDR) allocation). “Sri Lanka’s public and external […]
TISL wants FIU of CBSL to investigate into potential money laundering cases in Pandora Papers
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) once again draws the attention of the general public to the serious concerns that were brought to light by the Pandora Papers and revealed to the public earlier this month. The Pandora Papers exposé provides clear evidence of how the offshore industry promotes corruption and demonstrates the importance of ensuring […]
Export Advisory Committees appointed covering 24 sectors for 5 years
Export Advisory Committees have been appointed by the trade minister covering 24 sectors for a period of 5 years (from 2021 to 2026). In terms of Section 10 of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) Act No 40 of 1979, the minister in charge of the EDB, on the advice of the Board, is […]
CBSL maintains policy rates; near term supply side developments do not warrant policy tightening
The Monetary Board 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 said it arrived at this decision after considering the macroeconomic conditions and expected developments on the domestic and […]
Interview: Futureproofing banking sector through digital-first mindset
There is a good reason why digitalisation is a top priority for banking. When done correctly, it enables paradigm shifting improvements in customer experience and accessibility. For the average customer, it means, they are able to utilize the full range of our products and services seamlessly, through the platform of their choice. While prior to […]
Regulating prices: From price mandates to more competition
Regulating prices: from price mandates to more competition The government recently removed the maximum retail price (MRP) on rice with a decision to import a buffer stock of rice to prevent any shortages. This is an important step in the right direction. Opening up the market for more competition will reduce the market power of […]
Sri Lanka projected to grow by 3.3-pct : Shifting gears to services-led growth can help build back better
Sri Lanka’s economy is projected to grow by 3.3 percent in 2021, but the medium-term outlook is clouded by pre-existing macroeconomic weaknesses and the economic scarring from the COVID-19 pandemic. A gradual recovery will likely lead to corresponding improvements in labor market conditions. Most countries in South Asia are far from pre-pandemic trend levels, says […]
‘s Six-Month Road Map at a glance
Sri Lanka’s Central Bank on Friday outlined the key measures and tools they will use to ensure macroeconomic & financial system stability in the country for the next six months. • Intervene in the FX market by providing the funds to finance the country’s energy bills, and thereby to infuse liquidity • Promote investments in […]
Central Bank removes cash margin deposit requirement on non-essential imports
Sri Lanka’s Central Bank has decided to discontinue the 100 percent cash margin deposit requirement against the importation of selected goods of non-essential/non-urgent nature with immediate effect. The decision to impose a cash margin deposit requirement was expected to support the efforts to preserve the stability of the exchange rate and foreign currency market liquidity, […]
Central Bank requests Govt to tax export profits at 28-pct where forex is not repatriated & converted
Sri Lanka’s Central Bank requests the government to tax profits of exporters at 28 percent and not 14 percent where forex is not repatriated & converted. Unveiling the Six-Month Road Map for Ensuring Macroeconomic & Financial System Stability, Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said that there will be specified limits. Service related foreign exchange inflows will […]
ADB Annual Meeting 2022 in Sri Lanka; MoU signed
Sri Lanka’s government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) today entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to hold the 55th Annual Meeting of the ADB in Colombo, Sri Lanka next year. It was signed on behalf of the Asian Development Bank by its Director General, South Asia Department, Kenchi Yokoyama, and SR Attygalle on behalf […]
CBSL to announce 6-month road map for ensuring macroeconomic & financial stability on Friday
The Central Bank is to announce “A Six-Month Road Map for Ensuring Macroeconomic & Financial System Stability” on Friday, 01 October 2021. Accordingly, Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal will announce the road map to the officials of the Government and the financial sector institutions. Due to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic situation and in keeping with required […]