Category: Economy and Markets
Central Bank of Sri Lanka further eases its monetary policy stance
The Monetary Policy Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has decided to further ease the monetary policy stance and set the newly introduced Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 8.00 per cent. With this change, the effective reduction in the policy interest rate would be around 50 basis points from the current level of […]
CBSL implements Single Policy Interest Rate Mechanism by Introducing Overnight Policy Rate
The Monetary Policy Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has decided to implement a single policy interest rate mechanism transitioning from its dual policy interest rate mechanism, with effect from 27 November 2024. Accordingly, the Central Bank introduces the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR), as its primary monetary policy tool to signal and operationalise […]
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 […]
Hayleys records 78-pct growth in PBT to Rs.12.7Bn
The Hayleys Group delivered remarkable growth and profitability during the first half of the financial year ending 31 st March 2025, as it leveraged its leading market positions across diverse business verticals to deliver a Profit Before Tax of Rs.12.73 bn, an increase of 78% over the corresponding period of the previous year. Meanwhile, the […]
JAAF congratulates NPP on securing clear majority in Parliament
The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), representing Sri Lanka’s largest export industry, extends its warm congratulations to the National People’s Power on securing a resounding majority in the General Election. As Sri Lanka begins a new chapter, JAAF reaffirms its commitment to working closely with the new leadership to drive economic growth, foster sustainable employment, […]
New SEC Chief Unveils Strategic Plans for Short-Term and Long-Term Capital Market Growth
Senior Professor D.B.P.H. Dissabandara, appointed as the new Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC), highlighted the importance of balancing market development with robust regulatory oversight to ensure the security, fairness, and efficiency of Sri Lanka’s capital markets. To achieve these objectives, Prof. Dissabandara outlined a comprehensive set of plans, focusing […]
The onslaught of the beedi industry and its impact on Sri Lanka’s economy
Lack of tax collectability results in dampening of government revenue ambitions While Sri Lanka has made notable progress in tobacco control, with policies reducing cigarette consumption, the unchecked growth of the beedi industry presents a mounting threat to the economy. The informal nature of the beedi trade makes it difficult to regulate, allowing it to […]
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. […]