The senior representatives of the financial sector yesterday raised significant concerns about the government’s commitment to enacting the necessary legislation for the introduction of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s economy surged in the fourth quarter, marking a swift recovery from the prolonged recession that began 18 months ago. The growth rate exceeded expectations, outpacing third quarter’s performance. Sri Lanka’s full-year contraction narrowed to 2.3 percent, a significant improvement from the steeper 7.3 percent contraction recorded in 2022. According to the Census and Statistics Department which released the national accounts data for t
Sri Lanka this week took a progressive step towards tackling period poverty, with the Selyn Foundation stepping up efforts to redefine access to menstrual hygiene and support for women across Sri Lanka. The Selyn Foundation this week unveiled its flagship #BleedGood initiative, which marked a pivotal moment in the fight against period poverty while championing sexual and reproductive health rights. #BleedGood encompasses an ecosystem of collecti
Sri Lanka, renowned for its high-quality vein graphite, is poised to benefit from the increasing demand for “non-China origin” graphite driven by the global push towards electromobility and the US Green....
In February, official foreign currency reserves inched up as the Central Bank maintained its efforts to shore up reserves by accumulating foreign currency from banks. This accumulation comes at a time when demand for foreign currency remains subdued compared to the ample supply from remittances, tourism, and robust exports.
In kicking off the second review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme yesterday, IMF highlighted that Sri Lanka’s economy has started to turn around with policy decisions taken under the programme translating into tangible outcomes. In the opening mee
The recent uproar over the Central Bank’s salary increases has caught widespread attention and according to Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, this controversy is a deliberate attempt to undermine the institution’s autonomy.
A potential delay in securing an agreement-in-principle (AIP) with Sri Lanka’s private bondholders is unlikely to impact the second review of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, former Central Bank Governor Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy said.
Consumer prices in Colombo rose at a slower pace in February compared to the previous month, indicating a slight dampening in the cost of living. Data from the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) revealed that the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) recorded a year-on-year inflation rate of 5.9 percent in February, down from 6.4 percent in January. This decline follows two consecutive months of expansion in December 2023 and January 2024. T
Sri Lanka’s women entrepreneurs, who have for long been held back, will soon be able to take the front seat as President Ranil Wickremesinghe this week pledged more would be done to allow this segment to increase their contribution to the national economy.
The tourism sector stakeholders yesterday confirmed that Sri Lanka is witnessing an increasing trend of international visitors engaging in business activities and warned that the industry, in certain parts of the country, is impacted as a result.
Sri Lanka’s inflation expanded by 6.5 percent year-on-year in January, as the prices rose across almost all categories from the one-off impact from the higher Value Added Tax and supply chain disruptions caused by the weather-related conditions.
While some borrowers have criticised the loan recovery methods of financial entities, the Central Bank (CB) has stated that under the proposed detailed guidelines for the establishment of Business Revival Units, borrowers can negotiate with their banks to stay financially afloat.
With a view to ensure continuity of businesses and job security of employees, the Central Bank (CB) has called for legal reforms to further strengthen Sri Lanka’s Parate execution law and other credit recovery laws in order to shorten the credit recovery cycle on par with global practices .
The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) has announced plans to participate in all major international tourism events and conduct several road shows this year, with a budget of Rs.5.03 billion allocated for these activities. SLTPB Managing Director Nalin Perera stated that Sri Lanka aims to attract 2.3 million tourists this year, expecting to generate Rs.7.18 billion in revenue. This revenue target includes Rs.2.08 billion from the Tourism
Sri Lanka’s economic recovery is gaining momentum, with the continuation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement and progress on structural reforms being key factors, the Central Bank announced. However, the financial sector regulator warned that any disruption to this programme would incur significant economic costs, including growth setbacks, loss of confidence, and prolonged negative investor sentiment
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July trade deficit up over higher imports, but exports remain robust
Colombo district land prices increase 6.9% YoY
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