The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) wishes to provide the general public and the investor community the following information, while refuting the statements of Rating Agencies that continue to undermine the banking sector’s stability and fuel speculation regarding investments of licensed banks in Government of Sri Lanka International Sovereign Bonds (ISBs) and Sri Lanka Development Bonds (SLDBs).

With a view to facilitating investment opportunities in the country and to further encourage foreign currency inflows, the CBSL has allowed Licensed Commercial Banks (LCBs) and the National Savings Bank (NSB) to invest funds sourced externally in US Dollar denominated ISBs and SLDBs, equally splitting such investments into both ISBs and SLDBs, having considered all relevant risks involved including the following.

With a view to assist and maintain the financial system stability by minimizing the pressure on the exchange rate and preserving the foreign currency reserve position of the country, the Hon. Minister of Finance with the recommendation of the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers has issued an Order under Section 22 of the Foreign Exchange Act, No.12 of 2017, published in the Extraordinary Gazette Notifications No. 2234/49 dated 2 July, 2021.

Accordingly following suspensions/restrictions on outward remittances will be effective for six (06) months commencing from 2 July 2021.

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