The Government and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) have been implementing several measures to ease the burden of the current economic hardships on the people. One major factor that is contributing to the current crisis and the resultant hardships is the lack of foreign exchange liquidity in the banking system. Such shortage of forex liquidity has affected the provision of essential imports, including fuel. To ensure adequate foreign exchange liquidity in the banking system, the CBSL had to impose surrender requirements on export earnings. Further, measures were taken by the Government and the CBSL to discourage foreign exchange outflows, such as imposing restrictions on certain imports and payment terms and introducing margin requirements, while encouraging foreign inflows through the banking system, rather than those being channelled through the grey market. The success of these regulatory measures and the ability to achieve the intended outcomes depend on the support and cooperation from the trading community and the banking system.

Mr. Anthony Nihal Fonseka has been reappointed as a member of the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) with effect from 27 July 2022 for a period of six years. Previously, he served on the Monetary Board from July, 2016 to May 2020 and from May 2022 to July 2022.

He obtained his BSc Degree from the University of Ceylon, Colombo and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, UK and a Honorary Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments, UK. He is a Senior Independent Director and Chairman of the Group Audit Committee of John Keells Holdings PLC, Chairman of Phoenix Industries Ltd., Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee of Brandix Lanka Ltd., Non-Executive Director and Chairman of Investment Committee of Phoenix Ventures Ltd..