Sri Lanka's external sector exhibited a mixed performance in April 2021. The deficit in the trade account widened for the second consecutive month in April 2021 compared to a year earlier while earnings from the tourism sector remained subdued. Notably, both exports and imports were significantly higher in April 2021, compared to April 2020, although both were lower compared to March 2021. However, workers' remittances continued its momentum, recording a significant growth in April 2021. Meanwhile, the financial account of the balance of payments strengthened during the month with the receipt of the proceeds of the syndicated loan facility from the China Development Bank. The Sri Lankan rupee remained broadly stable throughout the month, amidst some volatility observed in mid April.

Considering the difficulties faced by the borrowers of Licensed Finance Companies and Specialised Leasing Companies [hereinafter referred to as Non-Banking Financial Institutions (NBFIs)], due to the third wave of COVID- 19 pandemic, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) issued circular No. 06 of 2021 on concessions for COVID-19 affected businesses and individuals, requesting NBFIs to provide concessions to affected borrowers as follows: