Currently, institutions providing money transfer services in Sri Lanka such as banks and non-bank financial institutions, are regulated by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) or other relevant authorities to ensure financial system stability. However, some entities providing similar services operate outside the formal system, potentially disrupting the money transfer system and not being subject to Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regulatory framework.

Following the seasonal pattern where activities across many sectors slowdown during the traditional new year celebrations, Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index for Construction (PMI - Construction) decreased to an index value of 31.9 in April 2024. This indicates a contraction in construction activities compared to the previous month. As per the respondents, most construction sites were temporarily closed during the month due to the extended new year holidays, leading to this month-on-month decline.

The Monetary Policy Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, at its meeting held on 27 May 2024, decided to maintain the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) of the Central Bank at their current levels of 8.50 per cent and 9.50 per cent, respectively. The Board arrived at this decision after carefully assessing the current and expected macroeconomic developments and possible risks on the domestic and global fronts with a view to maintaining inflation at the targeted level of 5 per cent over the medium term while supporting the economy to reach its potential. While the medium term inflation outlook remains compatible with the current level of policy interest rates and inflation expectations are well anchored, the Board observed the need for a further reduction in market lending interest rates in line with policy interest rates and other benchmark interest rates, which is imperative for the easing of domestic monetary conditions and domestic economic recovery.

Purchasing Managers’ Indices indicate a contraction in Manufacturing activities and an expansion in Services activities in April 2024

Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index for Manufacturing (PMI – Manufacturing) recorded an index value of 42.0 in April 2024, indicating a contraction in manufacturing activities following the seasonal pattern. New Orders, Production, Employment and Stock of Purchases sub-indices declined during the month, resulting in an overall decline in the index.

Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index for Services (PMI – Services) indicated a slower expansion in services activities in April 2024 as reflected by the Business Activity Index, which recorded an index value of 56.7.