Category: Economy
Japan Officially Notifies Sri Lanka of Its Decision to Resume Disbursement to Yen Loan Projects
Following the completion of the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) and Sri Lanka on 23 July and the expression of the willingness by the Government of Sri Lanka to swiftly conclude a bilateral agreement on debt restructuring, the Government of Japan has officially decided to resume disbursement to […]
Export Performance in Sri Lanka Sees 2.58-pct Growth in June 2024
As per the provisional data released by the Sri Lanka Customs, the merchandise export performance in June 2024 amounted to US$ 1,031.2 million, recorded an increase of 2.58 % compared to the month of June 2023. This was mainly due to the increase in earnings from export of Apparel & Textiles, Tea, Rubber based products, […]
Unlocking Economic Potential: Why Debt Restructuring Alone Won’t Suffice Without SOE Reforms
The Advocata Institute held a press briefing titled “Unlocking Economic Potential: Why Debt Restructuring Alone Won’t Suffice Without SOE Reforms” was held on the 17th of July,2024 at Lavender Hall, BMICH. The event brought together key speakers Shihar Aneez (Senior Financial Journalist), Rehana Thowfeek (Research Consultant to Advocata Institute), and Dhananath Fernando (CEO of Advocata […]
‘s debt restructuring deal with bondholders, says IMF
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is currently evaluating Sri Lanka’s recent debt restructuring deal with bondholders, according to Julie Kozack, Director of the Communications Department at the IMF. The IMF highlighted that their team is assessing whether the agreed terms align with the parameters set forth in their program for Sri Lanka. This assessment will […]
Sri Lanka Seeks Commercial Loan Relief to Align with IMF Requirements: CBSL Governor
Sri Lanka is actively negotiating with commercial creditors for debt relief similar to that achieved with bilateral creditors, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe said. This move aligns with International Monetary Fund (IMF) criteria for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery plan. “We have requested comparable loan concessions from commercial creditors,” in […]
Sri Lanka concludes negotiations with Official Creditor Committee & China Exim Bank
Sri Lanka has concluded negotiations with the Official Creditor Committee (OCC), marking pivotal strides towards stabilizing its financial footing amid recent economic challenges, the President’s Media Division said in a statement. Sri Lanka also reached a final agreement with China’s Exim Bank on debt restructuring today (26) in Beijing. Full Statement In a significant milestone […]
Sri Lanka’s May Exports Up 9-pct from April
As per the provisional data released by the Sri Lanka Customs, the merchandise export performance in May 2024 amounted to US$ 960.2 million, recorded an increase of 9.4 % compared to the preceding month, April 2024. Furthermore, export performance in May 2024 decreased by 5.81 % compared to May 2023. The estimated value of services […]
Ceylon Chamber commends board-level agreement on second IMF review, Calls for sustained economic reforms
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce congratulates the Government of Sri Lanka for securing a board-level agreement on the second review of Sri Lanka’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This agreement provides Sri Lanka with immediate access to approximately SDR 254 million (about USD 336 million) in financing. This significant […]
IMF completes second review; says debt sustainability path remains knife-edged
The IMF Executive Board completed the 2024 Article IV Consultation and Second Review under the 48-month Extended Fund Facility with Sri Lanka, providing the country with immediate access to SDR 254 million (about US $336 million) to support its economic policies and reforms. Performance under the program has been strong. All quantitative targets for end-December […]
Sri Lanka elected to the United Nations Economic and Social Council
Sri Lanka has been elected by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) at the elections held in New York, on 07 June 2024, for a three-year term commencing on 01 January 2025. Sri Lanka obtained 182 votes, of the 189 member states present and voting, securing the 2nd highest vote count from the region, and the 7th highest number overall. Sri Lanka was previously elected […]
Sri Lanka’s Central Bank Governor Discusses Cryptocurrency Regulation Amidst Calls for Relaxation
In a press conference held today, Sri Lanka’s Central Bank Governor, Nandalal Weerasinghe, reiterated his concerns over the use of cryptocurrencies, which are currently not accepted in the country. “Cryptocurrency has been recognised in some markets as an asset class, but this asset class is highly volatile and risky. So, without proper regulation and supervision, […]
‘s Exports Up 1.25-pct to USD1.11 Billion in April
The total exports (Merchandise & Service) for the month of April 2024 was recorded as US$ 1,114.22 Million increasing 1.25 % over the corresponding period of 2023. As per the provisional data released by the Sri Lanka Customs, the merchandise export performance in April 2024 amounted to US$ 813.81 million, recorded decrease of 4.1 % […]