Category: Economy
‘s Exports Surge by 18-pct in October 2024
As per the provisional data released by the Sri Lanka Customs, the country’s merchandise export performance in October 2024 reached an impressive US$ 1,097.1 million. This marks an 18.22% increase compared to October 2023, mainly driven by growth in the export of Apparel & Textiles, Tea, Rubber-based products, Coconut-based products, and Spices & Concentrates. Notably, […]
”s long-term foreign currency issuer rating on review for upgrade
Moody’s Ratings (Moody’s) has announced a review for a potential upgrade of the Government of Sri Lanka’s Ca long-term foreign currency issuer rating, which was previously assessed as stable. Accordingly, Moody’s has assigned (P)Caal foreign currency senior unsecured ratings to Sri Lanka’s new USD-denominated issuances in its exchange offer. These include the macro-linked bonds (MLBs), […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement on the Third Review under SL’s Extended Fund Facility Arrangement
An International Monetary Fund (MF) team led by Peter Breuer, Senior Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, visited Colombo from November 17 to 23, 2024. After constructive discussions in Colombo, Mr. Breuer and Deputy Mission Chief Ms. Katsiaryna Svirydzenka issued the following statement: “We are pleased to announce that the IMF team reached staff-level agreement with the […]
IMF Staff-Level Agreement on Third Review of EFF Expected This Week: President Says Parliament
The President announced in Parliament that a staff-level agreement (SLA) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the third review of Sri Lanka’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) is anticipated this week. This announcement was made during the inaugural session in Parliament after the general election, highlighting the critical role of this agreement in securing continued […]
ADB approves USD200 mn policy-based loan to help Sri Lanka strengthen its financial sector
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) today approved a $200 million policy-based loan to further help the Government of Sri Lanka strengthen its financial sector. This second subprogram of ADB’s Financial Sector Stability and Reforms Program builds on the stabilization and crisis management measures put in place under the first subprogram approved in 2023. “Sri Lanka […]
IMF to Return to Sri Lanka for Crucial Third Review Soon
In a recent press briefing, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced that a mission will soon return to Sri Lanka to continue negotiations for the third review of the IMF-supported program. This follows a series of discussions held in Washington, where key topics included taxation and the reduction of the tax burden on Sri Lankans. […]
Financial Intelligence Unit enters into a MoU with National Secretariat for Non-Governmental Organizations
The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of Sri Lanka entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Secretariat for Non-Governmental Organizations on November 04, 2024 at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) to exchange information on investigations and prosecutions of Money Laundering (ML), Terrorist Financing (TF) and related crimes and of any persons […]
Opinion: CB defends liquidity injections amid “Money Printing” controversy
by Dhananath Fernando A fresh controversy has erupted following reports that Sri Lanka’s Central Bank (CBSL) injected nearly 100 billion rupees into the banking system by October 25. Given that money printing was the major cause of the country’s financial crisis, this news has sparked considerable attention. CBSL has defended its actions, arguing that these […]
EDB Establishes “Trade Facilitation Task Force” to Enhance Export Efficiency
As a strategic move to develop a mechanism for addressing challenges in the export value chain, the Export Development Board (EDB) has established a Trade Facilitation Task Force. The first meeting was held on October 29 at the Export Development Board. Attendees included Mrs. Champika D. Dharmasena, Director General of the Export Development Board; Mrs. […]