The Central Bank is of the view that the recent increase in volatility of the exchange rate is unwarranted and unacceptable. Accordingly, among other measures, the Central Bank will take appropriate action aggressively hereafter to contain this volatility in the domestic foreign exchange market. The Central Bank expects that these actions, together with the continuation of the curtailment of non-essential imports, will enable the Rupee to appreciate within the next few days towards the levels of below Rs. 185 per US dollar observed in November 2020.

Nestling the commercial and administrative capital of the country, Western province continued to be the forerunner of the economy. However, its share declined, contributing to narrowing of regional disparity.

Western province secured the largest share (39.1 per cent) of the country’s nominal GDP. However, due to improved contribution from the other provinces, the share declined by 0.5 per cent from 2018. Central (11.5 per cent) and North Western (10.7 per cent) provinces were ranked at second and third positions, respectively.