Category: Policy
‘s Central Bank maintains policy interest rates at their current levels
The Monetary Board of the Central Bank 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 14.50 percent and 15.50 percent, respectively, after considering the recent and expected developments in the domestic and global economy and macroeconomic projections. […]
65-pct probability for rates to remain unchanged at upcoming policy review: FCR
First Capital Research (FCR) assigns a probability of 65% for policy rates to remain unchanged at the upcoming monetary policy review while also assigning a 35% probability for a relaxation in policy rates. Moreover, considering the persistent negative liquidity in the banking system, they have assigned a lower probability of 20% for a cut in […]
Ceylon Chamber seeks acceleration of reforms and greater accountability for Govt spend
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce acknowledges the rationale for the recently proposed tax changes and calls on the Government to show greater restraint, accountability and transparency on government spending. While the tax hike will invariably impact businesses and private sector employees adversely in the current context of high inflation and negative economic growth, it is […]
Central Bank of Sri Lanka maintains policy interest rates
The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, at its meeting held on 05 October 2022, 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 14.50 per cent and 15.50 per cent, respectively. In arriving at this […]
Transitioning from hawkish to dovish; 75-pct probability for policy rates to remain unchanged: FCR
First Capital Research (FCR) believe that CBSL may consider maintaining the monetary policy rates at its current levels in the upcoming policy review meeting allowing a soft landing from its hawkish to dovish stance. However, given the necessity to provide monetary stimulus to prevent further weakening of the economy and the notable improvement in majority […]
‘s export earning up 12.9-pct from Jan-Jul
Earnings from exports increased in July 2022, while import expenditure declined for the fifth consecutive month, on a year-on-year basis. The notable decline in import expenditure in July 2022 reflected the impact of overall moderation of activity amidst forex liquidity strains in the banking system, while the policy measures to curtail non-urgent import expenditure also […]
CBSL further tightens monetary policy stance; increases SDFR & SLFR by 100 basis points
The Monetary Board of the Central Bank has decided to increase the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) of the Central Bank by 100 basis points to 14.50 percent and 15.50 percent, respectively. Having noted the higher-than-expected escalation of headline inflation recently and the increased persistence of high inflation […]
Finance Minister of India assures her fullest support to economic recovery process in Sri Lanka
Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister of India Nirmala Sitharaman assured the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, Milinda Moragoda of her fullest support and cooperation in the process of economic recovery in Sri Lanka. The Finance Minister of India gave this assurance when High Commissioner Moragoda called on her on 21 June at the […]
Sri Lanka CB maintains policy rates
The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, at its meeting held on 18 May 2022, decided to maintain the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) of the Central Bank at the current levels of 13.50 per cent and 14.50 per cent, respectively. The Board is of […]
Sri Lankan mutual funds’ outflows rise amid economic turmoil: Fitch
The Sri Lankan mutual fund industry experienced large outflows in March 2022 with total assets under management (AUM) shrinking by more than 8% to LKR178 billion (around USD0.5 billion), based on Unit Trust Association of Sri Lanka (UTA) data, Fitch Ratings says in a new report. The country’s economic and social instability may have driven […]
Central Bank significantly tightens its monetary policy; decides to increase SDFR & SLFR by 700bps
The Monetary Board of the Central Bank at its meeting held today has decided to increase the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) of the Central Bank by 700 basis points to 13.50 percent and 14.50 percent, respectively. The Board, having noted the inflationary pressures that could further intensify […]
ADB forecasts SL’s economic growth to dip to 2.4-pct in 2022
The Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) annual flagship economic publication forecasts a muted recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID19) pandemic as Sri Lanka’s economy grapples with macroeconomic challenges arising from high debt, low foreign reserves, and inflationary pressures. ADB forecasts Sri Lanka’s economic growth to dip to 2.4% in 2022 and improve marginally to 2.5% in […]