Sri Lanka’s state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has reported a steep decline in profits for the first half of 2024, with net earnings plummeting by 70.2% to 20.7 billion rupees compared to 69.5 billion rupees in the same period last year. According to a Finance Ministry report, the decrease in profits is attributed to a
The turn of the global monetary policy cycle this year, with rate cuts in the US, Eurozone, and other major economies, has significantly contributed to investor confidence and a relatively benign global macro and credit environment, according to Fitch Ratings in its latest Risk Headquarters report. However, geopolitical and political risks, deflationary pressures in China,
Minister Vijitha Herath has clarified that the new government has not printed any currency notes or taken loans from foreign institutions. The statement was made in response to a question posed by a journalist at Monday’s (28) Cabinet press conference. Minister Herath explained that while the Central Bank of Sri Lanka regularly issues new treasury
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stirred political discussions around dedollarization in Sri Lanka through a report on liquidity operations and monetary policy. Despite no public demand to undermine foreign currency deposits, the IMF has recommended introducing statutory reserve requirements (SRR) for foreign exchange liabilities as part of a broader agenda to promote Sri Lanka’s
Sri Lanka’s central bank announced that it would maintain policy interest rates between 8.25% and 9.25%, citing the likelihood of deflation in the near term due to easing supply conditions and adjustments to administratively controlled prices. “The Board observed that inflation is likely to remain well below the 5% target over the next few quarters,
In August 2024, Sri Lanka’s national consumer prices eased to 1.1% year-on-year, down from 2.5% in July. This significant deceleration was driven primarily by declining food prices and reduced electricity tariffs, offering financial relief to consumers. On a month-to-month basis, consumer prices fell by 1.4% in August, accelerating from the 0.6% decline recorded in July.
The US Federal Reserve has cut its interest rate by 50 basis points, bringing the target overnight rate to 4.75%-5.00%. Fed Chair Jerome Powell stated that inflation and employment are now more balanced. “Inflation is much closer to our target, and we are increasingly confident that it is moving sustainably toward 2 percent,” Powell said
Sri Lanka’s private sector credit expanded by Rs. 60 billion in July 2024, following a Rs. 74 billion rise in June, according to official data. Meanwhile, credit to state-owned enterprises (SOEs) decreased during the same period. In July, banks extended Rs. 82.7 billion in loans to the government, with much of this being interest roll-overs,
In a special session held on Tuesday, Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), provided a comprehensive briefing to Members of Parliament on the measures taken to stabilise the country’s economy. This session, chaired by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, was conducted in accordance with Section 80 (2) (a) of the
The Maldives’ cabinet of ministers has approved a plan to dollarize a portion of the country’s government revenues, including income tax, customs duties, and pension contributions, according to a media report. This new policy will apply to businesses that generate income in foreign currency. The decision comes as the Maldives faces a shortage of foreign