His Excellency the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has appointed Mr. Maithri Evan Wickremesinghe, P.C. as a member of the Governing Board (GB) of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) with effect from 02.10.2025. In terms of the provisions of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act, No. 16 of 2023 (CBSL Act), GB has been established as the body responsible for overseeing the administration and management of the affairs of CBSL and determination of the general policies of CBSL. Further, in terms of Section 12 (1) (b) of the CBSL Act, the members of GB will be members of the Monetary Policy Board, as well.
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Appointment of a New Member to the Governing Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka
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IMF Staff Reaches Staff-Level Agreement on the Fifth Review Under Sri Lanka’s Extended Fund Facility Arrangement
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Mr. Evan Papageorgiou, visited Colombo from 24 September to 09 October 2025, for the Fifth Review under Sri Lanka’s Extended Fund Facility Arrangement. Upon reaching the staff-level agreement on the Fifth Review of Sri Lanka’s reform program supported by the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility, the IMF issued the following press release on 09 October 2025, which can be accessed from the link below.
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The Central Bank of Sri Lanka Releases the Financial Stability Review for the Year 2025
In terms of Section 70(1) of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act, No. 16 of 2023, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka released its annual Financial Stability Review (FSR) for 2025. This statutory report provides an assessment of the stability of the financial system, identifies and evaluates the associated risks and vulnerabilities, and outlines the policy measures implemented by the Central Bank and other regulatory authorities. In addition, a summary report of the FSR 2025 is also published. The report generally covers data up to end June 2025. The electronic version of the publication can be accessed through the Central Bank website.
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External Sector Performance – August 2025
Sri Lanka’s external sector continued to strengthen in August 2025, as the current account maintained its streak of monthly surpluses.
The merchandise trade deficit narrowed in August 2025 compared to August 2024, reflecting a higher growth in exports than imports.
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As expected, CCPI based headline inflation accelerated towards the target in September 2025
The Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI, 2021=100)1 based headline inflation (year-on-year, Y-o-Y), which returned to positive territory in August 2025, continued its upward trend toward the inflation target in September 2025. Accordingly, headline inflation (Y-o-Y) accelerated to 1.5% in September 2025 from 1.2% in August 2025, in line with the Central Bank’s near-term projections.
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Sri Lanka PMI - Construction increased in August 2025
The Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index for Construction (PMI – Construction), as reflected by the Total Activity Index, increased to 61.1 in August 2025, indicating a continuous expansion in construction activities. As per the respondents, the ongoing increase in project availability, along with the resumption of some temporarily suspended projects, has strengthened the confidence of the construction sector.
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The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) releases the “Sri Lanka Socio-Economic Data – 2025” Publication
Sri Lanka Socio-Economic Data – 2025”, the annually published data folder of the CBSL, is now available for public information. The current data folder is the 48th volume of the series.
This easy-to-carry booklet contains information categorised under 14 topics, namely, Country Profile; Key Economic Indicators; Country Comparisons; Socio-Economic Conditions; Human Resources; National Accounts; Agriculture; Industry; Economic and Social Infrastructure; Prices and Wages; External Trade and Tourism; External Finance; Government Finance; and Money, Banking and Finance. As the data folder presents a wide range of socio-economic data of current interest in a concise and summary form, it will serve as a useful publication for policymakers, researchers, academics, professionals, students and the general public.
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The Central Bank of Sri Lanka keeps the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) unchanged
The Monetary Policy Board decided to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at the current level of 7.75% at its meeting held yesterday. The Board arrived at this decision after carefully considering both domestic and global developments. The Board is of the view that the current monetary policy stance will support steering inflation towards the target of 5%.
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SL Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) – August 2025
Purchasing Managers’ Indices indicate expansions in both Manufacturing and Services activities in August 2025.
Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index for Manufacturing (PMI – Manufacturing) recorded an index value of 55.2 in August 2025. This indicates an expansion in manufacturing activities, albeit at a slower rate compared to the previous month. All sub-indices remained above the neutral threshold during the month.
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Public Awareness on the Rs. 2000 Circulated Commemorative Currency Note Issued to Mark the 75th Anniversary of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) issued a Rs. 2000 circulated commemorative currency note on 29 August 2025 to mark its 75th Anniversary.
In order to facilitate the smooth acceptance and dispensation of the new note, Licensed Commercial Banks are in the process of calibrating their cash-handling machines. In keeping with the pace of the process, the new note will gradually be released into circulation through Licensed Commercial Banks.