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.

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.