Category: Money
Central Bank of Sri Lanka publishes its inaugural market operations report
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (the Central Bank) released its inaugural Market Operations Report (MOR) with the aim of enhancing awareness and knowledge among the stakeholders on monetary operations carried out by the Central Bank in line with the prevailing monetary policy stance. The MOR would be a catalyst to improve transparency and accountability […]
Central Bank to function as regulatory authority of money or value transfer service providers
Central Bank of Sri Lanka will function as the regulatory and supervisory authority of Registered Money or Value Transfer Service (MVTS) providers. Accordingly, CBSL may carry out supervision of any Registered MVTS Provider and issue requirements on any one or more Registered MVTS Providers regarding the manner in which any aspect of their business is […]
Sri Lanka’s Central Bank Governor Discusses Cryptocurrency Regulation Amidst Calls for Relaxation
In a press conference held today, Sri Lanka’s Central Bank Governor, Nandalal Weerasinghe, reiterated his concerns over the use of cryptocurrencies, which are currently not accepted in the country. “Cryptocurrency has been recognised in some markets as an asset class, but this asset class is highly volatile and risky. So, without proper regulation and supervision, […]
ADB partnership strategy 2024-28 for SL to foster sustainable recovery, build resilience, and revive growth
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched a new country partnership strategy (CPS) for Sri Lanka covering the period 2024–2028. The strategy will focus on restoring the country’s macroeconomic stability, reviving growth, and establishing the foundation for sustainable recovery and resilience. “This new partnership strategy will build on ADB’s ongoing assistance to support the country’s efforts to […]
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 […]
‘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 […]
Central Bank wants to reduce lending rates to SMEs by 200 bps in near term
Apr 29, 2019 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Central Bank expects the lending rates to reduce by around 200 basis points to SMEs in the near term that would reduce excessive cost of funds borne by the financial sector. The Central Bank said it observed high interest rates charged on lending products and excessively high interest rates […]
Policy rates could be reduced in future if current trends continue: Central Bank
Apr 08, 2019 (LBO) – Monetary Board of the Central Bank today said that they are of the view that, if the current trends in global financial markets, trade balance, and credit growth continue, policy interest rates could be reduced in the period ahead, given well-anchored inflation and inflation expectations. Projections, as well as inflation expectations, […]
Sri Lanka Central Bank maintains policy interest rates at current levels
Apr 08, 2019 (LBO) – Monetary Board of Sri Lanka’s Central Bank at its meeting held today decided to maintain policy interest rates at their current levels. Accordingly, the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) of the Central Bank will remain at 8.00 percent and 9.00 percent, respectively. “The Board […]
Sri Lanka official reserves improve to USD 7.6 billion by end March
Apr 05, 2019 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s gross official reserves were 7,621.9 million US dollars by the end of March, up from 6,035.16 million US dollars in February this year, latest Central Bank data showed.By the end of March, foreign currency reserves were 6,728.6 million dollars while the reserve position in the IMF was 66.4 […]
50 percent probability for a policy rate cut in April: First Capital Research
Apr 02, 2019 (LBO) – First Capital Research allocates a 50 percent probability for a policy rate cut in Apr 2019 as they are of the view that policy intervention is appropriate to address the overly sluggish economic growth.Sluggish sentiment in Sri Lanka’s economy has been a major concern with the latest GDP growth for […]