Sri Lankan foreign exchange market unveils a foreign exchange matching platform

The Sri Lankan foreign exchange (FX) market has successfully implemented an FX matching platform, as per the initiative taken by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) to foster a deeper FX market. This platform, which is accessible to all Licensed Commercial Banks, National Savings Bank, and the CBSL, was introduced to enhance price discovery, […]

CBSL Eases Conversion Period for Export Proceeds

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has announced a significant relaxation in the rules governing the conversion of export proceeds into Sri Lanka Rupees. This move comes in response to recent macro-economic developments and changes in the domestic foreign exchange market. Accordingly, the Central Bank has issued the “Repatriation of Export Proceeds into Sri […]

‘s economy

In the high-stakes world of trade and logistics, corruption at Sri Lanka’s customs, IRD, ports, and airports is not just an inconvenience—it’s a crisis that’s crippling the nation’s export sector. Outdated, manual systems have become breeding grounds for corruption, where bribery and inefficiency rule, bleeding exporters dry and stifling economic growth. The country stands at […]

”s “real” agenda

In the latest series of the RIUNIT podcast hosted by Roshan Madawela, distinguished economists Prof. Howard Nicholas and Prof. Jayati Ghosh, delve deeply into the rapidly changing economic and geopolitical environment, examining both local and global economic orders. By questioning popular narratives, they provide insightful analysis and perspectives on the complex forces shaping our world […]

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 […]

‘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 […]

Dollar gains limited in 2016, fund managers look elsewhere

Dec 29, 2015 (LBO) – US Dollar gains are expected to be limited next year compared with the strengthening seen over the last two years after a well-expected tightening of interest rates by the US Fed this month. The dollar rallied 10 percent to 1.09 per euro this year from 1.2 per euro at the […]

Sri Lanka foreign reserves rise to USD7.3 bln in Nov

Dec 29, 2015 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s official foreign reserves increased to 7,295 million dollars at the end of November this year, up from 6,480 million dollars at the end of October after a sovereign bond issue, according to figures released by the Central Bank. This included 6,463 million dollars in foreign reserves and 756 […]

We are not dictated by IMF policy: Finance Minister

Dec 17, 2015 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Finance Minister told Parliament Wednesday that the country has a strong balance of payments environment and rejected reports of a gloomy outlook for 2016. “There is no issue with the balance of payments. Our problem is with the trade balance. Our exports have decreased and imports increased,” Finance […]

Fed liftoff largely priced in by emerging markets: ABN AMRO

Dec 15, 2015 (LBO) – A first rate hike by the U.S. Fed in nearly a decade expected this week is largely priced-in and emerging markets may have already seen most of the adjustment to Fed hikes, ABN AMRO said in a research report. "Fed message is likely to be relatively soothing, as we expect […]

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