The year-on-year growth of broad money (M2b) indicated some deceleration, recording 18.9 per cent in March 2016, compared to 19.8 per cent in February 2016. The expansion in domestic credit remained the key driver of broad money growth, within which credit extended to the private sector by commercial banks recorded a year-on-year growth of 27.7 per cent in March 2016, compared to 26.5 per cent in the previous month. With regard to sectoral distribution of credit, Industry and Services sectors attracted the highest levels of credit disbursements, while personal loans and advances also recorded a substantial increase.

The Monetary Board, at its meeting held on 05th April 2016 has promoted Miss. K Saravanamuttu and Mr. E A Hettiarachchi; Mr. R A A Jayalath, Mr. K M M Siriwardana and Mr. S J A Handagama, five Staff Class Grade IV officers, to the post of Assistant Governor with effect from 05th April 2016, 16th April 2016, 12th June 2016, and 18th June 2016, respectively. These promotions have been made in line with the succession plan of the Bank and to address the new challenges of the Central Bank.