The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, at its meeting held on 22 August 2019, decided to reduce the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) of the Central Bank by 50 basis points to 7.00 per cent and 8.00 per cent, respectively. The Board arrived at this decision following a careful analysis of current and expected developments in the domestic economy and the financial market as well as the global economy, with the aim of further supporting the revival of economic activity in the context of low inflation prevailing at present and the medium term inflation outlook, which is well anchored in the desired 4-6 per cent range. 

On 19th August 2019, President Maithripala Sirisena conferred “National Honours” on distinguished personalities for the outstanding and invaluable service rendered by them to the Motherland.

Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka along with five other distinguished personalities were conferred the title of “Deshamanya” by the President.

“Deshamanya” is the second-highest national honour awarded by the Government of Sri Lanka as a civil honour. It is awarded in recognition of the exceptional and highly meritorious service to the nation.