Category: Economy
High probability that Sri Lanka may consider moving into an IMF program: FCR
First Capital Research believes that there seems to be a high probability that Sri Lanka may consider moving into an IMF program. Though there are rumours of negotiations, so far such a program has not materialized, but the Govt has obtained the Rapid Funding Facility of USD 787Mn from the IMF. “Analysing the economic indicators […]
Central Bank imposes 100-pct cash margin deposit requirement for non-essential goods imports
The Monetary Board of the Central Bank has decided to impose a 100 percent cash margin deposit requirement against the importation of selected goods of non-essential/non-urgent nature made under Letters of Credit and Documents against Acceptance terms with Licensed Commercial Banks and National Savings Bank, with immediate effect. The decision to impose the cash margin […]
Government must take meaningful steps without compromising international friendship: Eran
With the corona epidemic and mismanagement of the economy, the country is now facing a Trinity of crises which cannot be cured by this government due to its intrinsic nature of mismanagement said Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Eran Wickramaratne. Addressing a press conference held at the Opposition Leader’s Office in Colombo today, the Member of […]
Sri Lanka calls for Request for Proposals for Foreign Currency Term Financing Facility
The Government of Sri Lanka intends to raise Foreign Currency Term Financing Facility (FCTF) denominated in United State Dollars (USD), Euro, Chinese Renminbi (RMB) and Japanese Yen (Yen) in 2021. The FCTF is expected to be raised at a fixed rate or a floating rate with a maturity period of 1 year or more.The proceeds […]
Sri Lanka receives USD 787Mn SDR from IMF & USD 150Mn swap from Bangladesh: CBSL
Central Bank on Tuesday officially announced that Sri Lanka received its share of the global SDR allocation by the IMF and the initial disbursements under the bilateral currency swap arrangement between the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the Bangladesh Bank. The SDR allocation received by Sri Lanka was equivalent to US dollars 787 million […]
Headline inflation increased to 6-pct in August 2021
Headline inflation, as measured by the year-on-year change in the Colombo Consumer Price Index, increased to 6.0 percent in August 2021 from 5.7 percent in July 2021 driven by monthly increases of prices of items in both Food and Non-food categories. Subsequently, Food inflation (Y-o-Y) increased to 11.5 percent in August 2021 from 11.0 percent […]
Sri Lanka’s exports surpassed USD 1bn mark in July after four months
Sri Lanka’s exports have surpassed the $ 1 billion mark in July after four months’ time period where a similar achievement was recorded in March during this year. As per the figures released by the Sri Lanka Customs, Sri Lanka recorded exports worth US$ 1,099.41 million in July 2021, the highest ever monthly achievement, which […]
No new restrictions for making payments in foreign exchange on credit or debit cards: Central Bank
The public is informed that the Central Bank has not introduced any new restrictions on the use of EFTCs, i.e., credit cards, debit cards and other stored value cards, and holders of such cards are permitted to use them to make payments to persons resident outside Sri Lanka in respect of current transactions of personal […]
CBSL tightens monetary policy to curb inflationary pressures; rectify external sector imbalances
Sri Lanka’s Central Bank has tightened its monetary policy stance to address the imbalances in the external sector and to preempt the buildup of excessive inflationary pressures over the medium term. Accordingly, the Monetary Board of the Central Bank has decided to increase the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate […]
Licensed Banks have not been asked to “Devalue” Sri Lanka Rupee: Central Bank
The Central Bank said it has observed messages being circulated claiming that licensed banks have been officially asked to devalue the Sri Lanka rupee with immediate effect. “The general public is hereby informed that there is no basis whatsoever for such claims, and the CBSL has not made any change to its stance or the […]
China Development Bank agrees to provide RMB 2Bn term facility to Sri Lanka
China Development Bank and Sri Lankan Government have entered into an agreement of RMB 2 Billion (approx LKR 61.5 Billion) Term Facility today, the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka said. The facility is to be used to support Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 response, economic revival, financial stability, and livelihood betterment.
Transforming Sri Lanka into a Startup Nation
Post COVID19, Sri Lanka will be in an ideal position for a major pivot away from its old safety net of traditional investments. With global trends currently favoring new investment opportunities, smart investors will do well to consider alternatives such as venture funding in startups to further add value to their portfolios, to ensure they […]