• Public Complaints on Unlawful Pyramid Schemes

    The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has recently received many public complaints indicating that some schemes operating through online platforms are misleading investors into depositing money/investing in these schemes by stating factors such as indicated below, in an attempt to justify that they are lawful schemes: 

    • The scheme is protecting investors’ funds by adhering to the regulations of CBSL;
    • The scheme is paying the relevant taxes to the Government; 
    • Participants of the schemes have to pay a personal income tax from their funds to CBSL, in order to withdraw funds and if not, their funds would be frozen by CBSL; 
    • The scheme has had discussions with CBSL.

    CBSL strongly denies the above statements and wishes to inform the public that there is no truth in these statements. 

  • The Central Bank of Sri Lanka maintains policy interest rates at their current levels

    The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, at its meeting held on 23 August 2023, 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 11.00 per cent and 12.00 per cent, respectively. The Board arrived at this decision following a careful analysis of current and expected developments in the domestic as well as the global economy, while noting the significant easing of monetary conditions effected since June 2023. The Monetary Board took note of the downward adjustment of market interest rates in response to monetary policy easing measures implemented thus far and the need to allow space for further adjustment of market interest rates swiftly.

  • Release of ‘Economic and Social Statistics of Sri Lanka – 2023’ Publication

    ‘Economic and Social Statistics of Sri Lanka – 2023’, an annual publication of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, is now available for public access.

    Statistics Department of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka publishes this booklet, which consists of statistical tables categorised under eight major areas, i.e. ‘National Accounts’, ‘Economic and Social Infrastructure’, ‘Prices, Wages and Employment’, ‘External Trade and Finance’, ‘Government Finance’, ‘Money and Capital Markets’, ‘Financial Sector’ and a section including statistics of other countries. This publication will be a useful collection of information for those who are interested in socio-economic statistics.

  • Land Valuation Indicator – First Half of 2023

    Land Valuation Indicator (LVI) for Colombo District recorded 215.3 during the first half of 2023 with a year-on-year increase of 15.2 per cent. All sub-indicators of LVI, namely Residential, Commercial and Industrial LVIs contributed to the overall increase with annual increases of 17.2 per cent, 15.1 per cent and 13.5 per cent, respectively. On semi-annual basis, LVI increased by 4.9 percent during the first half of 2023, compared to the second half of 2022. The highest contribution to this increase was from Residential LVI followed by Commercial and Industrial LVIs. However, a deceleration of the semi-annual growth of LVI could be observed during the first half of 2023.

  • Regulations on Financial Consumer Protection

    The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) issued Financial Consumer Protection Regulations, No. 01 of 2023 in terms of Section 10 (c) of the Monetary Law Act, No.58 of 1949 and published the same in the Government Extraordinary Gazette No. 2344/17 on 09.08.2023. These Regulations will apply to all Financial Service Providers regulated by CBSL on a uniform basis and are expected to strengthen the current financial consumer protection frameworks of CBSL, particularly Financial Consumer Protection directions issued under the Banking Act, the Finance Business Act and the Finance Leasing Act. Further, these regulations, formulated in line with international standards will establish the foundation for market conduct supervision by CBSL facilitating the development of a trusted and stable financial system in Sri Lanka.

  • Settlement of Exchange of Outstanding Eligible Sri Lanka Development Bonds (SLDBs) for Five (5) New LKR Treasury Bonds pursuant to the Domestic Debt Optimisation Programme (DDO)

    Further to the SLDB Exchange Memorandum dated 04 July 2023 (the "Exchange Memorandum") published by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies and subsequent announcement of results for the SLDB Invitation to Exchange (as defined in the Exchange Memorandum), outstanding eligible SLDBs (the Eligible Bonds) were converted into five (5) new variable coupon (SLFR* + 1.00%) New Treasury bonds denominated in LKR and settled on 15.08.2023 as follows:

  • Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index (Manufacturing and Services) - July 2023

    Purchasing Managers Indices indicated an expansion in Services activities and a contraction in Manufacturing activities in July 2023. 

    Manufacturing PMI continued to decline in July 2023, recording an index value of 44.6, indicating a delay in the recovery of manufacturing activities. This setback was contributed by the subdued performance observed in all the sub-indices. 

    Services sector PMI increased further to record an index value of 59.5 in July 2023, indicating continued expansion in the services activities. This was led  by the increases observed in New Businesses, Business Activities, Employment and Expectations for Activity. Nevertheless, Backlogs of Works remained contracted during the month.

  • The Central Bank of Sri Lanka reduces the Statutory Reserve Ratio

    The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, at its meeting held on 8 August 2023, decided to reduce the Statutory Reserve Ratio (SRR) applicable on all rupee deposit liabilities of Licensed Commercial Banks (LCBs) by 200 basis points, from 4.00 per cent to 2.00 per cent, with effect from the reserve maintenance period commencing 16 August 2023. This decision was taken with the view to inject liquidity to the banking system and further reduce market liquidity deficit on a permanent basis, in line with the current monetary policy stance of the Central Bank.

  • The Central Bank of Sri Lanka Launches the Web Portal of the Regional Development Department

    The Central Bank of Sri Lanka launched the dedicated Web Portal of the Regional Development Department (RDD Web Portal) on 04.08.2023, signifying its strategic orientation towards financial inclusion initiatives.

    RDD Web Portal was developed with the financial assistance of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a longstanding partner of the Central Bank, in promoting financial inclusion since 2018. This latest initiative is part of the overall National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) for Sri Lanka – in which, IFC played a significant role to make financial services more accessible, efficient, and affordable for all households and businesses in the country.

  • Clarification on Misinformation Relating to Indian Rupee

    The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) wishes to clarify certain misrepresentations of facts currently circulating in the public domain on Indian Rupee (INR).

    CBSL from time to time, authorises selected foreign currencies as designated foreign currencies with a view to facilitating international trade and cross-border banking transactions. Commencing May 1979, CBSL has occasionally recognised designated foreign currencies. Currently, following16 currencies have been authorised as designated foreign currencies under the provisions of the Banking Act and the Foreign Exchange Act, with the latest inclusion being the INR in August 2022.

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