Category: Policy
Despite strong growth, South Asia remains vulnerable to shocks: World Bank update
Growth in South Asia is expected to be strong at 6.0 percent in 2024, driven mainly by robust growth in India and recoveries in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. But persistent structural challenges threaten to undermine sustained growth, hindering the region’s ability to create jobs and respond to climate shocks, says the World Bank in its […]
CBSL reduces policy rates by 0.5-pct in view of stable inflation outlook over medium term & subdued demand pressures
The Monetary Policy Board of the Central Bank decided to reduce the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) of the Central Bank by 50 basis points (bps) to 8.50 per cent and 9.50 per cent, respectively. The Board arrived at this decision following a comprehensive assessment of current and […]
Sri Lanka trade balance deteriorated by 3.6-pct in January 2024
The deficit in the merchandise trade account widened to US dollars 541 million in January 2024 from US dollars 445 million recorded in January 2023, mainly with higher increase in imports. In addition, trade deficit in January 2024 widened compared to the deficit of US dollars 487 million in December 2023. Earnings from merchandise exports […]
Eran: Is Sri Lanka the only country where inflation decreases when commodity prices continue to increase?
Samagi Jana Balawega MP Eran Wickramaratne said that Government by appointing a committee to review the compliance of the MoUs signed with foreign countries proves the government and the administration has no experience international relations. The President within 18 months of his coming to power has visited 14 countries and has signed several Memorandum of […]
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 maintains policy interest rates at their current levels
The Monetary Policy Board of the Central Bank decided to maintain the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) of the Central Bank at their current levels. The Board arrived at this decision following a comprehensive assessment of domestic and international macroeconomic developments in order to maintain inflation at the […]
Sri Lanka Economic Forum with Soros, Stiglitz next month
Dec 31, 2015 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s government will host its Sri Lanka Economic Forum next month with business magnate and philanthropist George Soros and nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz as guest speakers.The conference, an initiative of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, will bring together development specialists to advise the various arms of government on its development […]
Sri Lanka govt in informal consultation with IMF: CB Governor
Dec 31, 2015 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran said that they are examining the possibilities of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan facility next year. “Yes we are examining the possibilities and the government are in informal consultation with the IMF,” Mahendran said. “A team is due here for regular discussions […]
Sri Lanka economy grew 5.2 pct in first nine months : CB-Updated
(Updated with Central Bank presentation) Dec 31, 2015 (LBO) -Sri Lanka’s economy grew 5.2 percent during the first nine months of the year compared with 2.4 percent growth during the same period last year, the Central Bank said on Thursday. Strong credit growth to the private sector seeping out as consumption imports was, however, a […]
Sri Lanka Central Bank tightens monetary policy, increases SRR
Dec 30, 2015 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Central Bank tightened monetary policy on Wednesday citing concerns over expansion in monetary aggregates fueling inflation. The Monetary Board raised the Statutory Reserve Ratio (SRR) applicable to all rupee deposit liabilities of commercial banks by 1.50 percentage points to 7.50 per cent effective from 16 January. The Standing […]