Category: Commodity
Sri Lanka headline inflation increased to 11.1-pct in November
Headline inflation, as measured by the year-on-year (Y-o-Y) change in the National Consumer Price Index, increased to 11.1 percent in November 2021 from 8.3 percent in October 2021 driven by monthly increases of prices of items in both Food and Non-food categories. Subsequently, Food inflation (Y-o-Y) increased to 16.9 percent in November 2021 from 11.7 […]
CCPI inflation increases to 9.9-pct; annual average rises to 5.3-pct in November
Headline inflation, as measured by the year-on-year (Y-o-Y) change in the Colombo Consumer Price Index, increased to 9.9 percent in November 2021 from 7.6 percent in October 2021. Meanwhile, the CCPI measured on an annual average basis, increased to 5.3 percent in November 2021 from 4.8 percent in October 2021. Inflation was driven by monthly […]
Inflation Is a Greater Policy Test for Emerging-Market Sovereigns: Fitch Ratings
Higher inflation is generally credit negative for sovereigns, but presents particular risks for emerging markets (EMs), as they often face higher and more volatile inflation than developed markets (DMs), and are exposed to greater currency instability, says Fitch Ratings. Fitch believes global goods price pressures will ease from early 2022, but inflation could remain elevated […]
CBSL maintains policy rates; further acceleration of headline inflation expected
The Monetary Board of the Central Bank has decided to maintain the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) of the Central Bank at their current levels of 5.00 percent and 6.00 percent, respectively. The Board noted the recent acceleration of inflation, driven mainly by supply disruptions and the surge […]
‘s headline inflation increased to 8.3-pct in October
Headline inflation, as measured by the year-on-year (Y-o-Y) change in the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI, 2013=100)1, increased to 8.3 percent in October 2021 from 6.2 percent in September 2021 driven by monthly increases of prices of items in both Food and Non-food categories. Meanwhile, Food inflation (Y-o-Y) increased to 11.7 percent in October 2021 […]
Wartime organic farming lessons for peacetime
By Jekhan Aruliah There is recent precedent in Sri Lanka for suddenly “going organic”. The Sri Lankan Civil War saw years of economic blockades and embargoes in the North. Some items were totally banned, others were provided in restricted quantities. From ladies’ sanitary pads to batteries to petrol and cement, chemical fertilisers and pesticides many […]
Sri Lanka records highest-ever export figure in any October
Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports increased by 35.9% to US$ 1,160.62 Million in October 2021 compared to October 2020 as per the data released by the Sri Lanka Customs. Exports maintained above one billion for the fifth time this year. “This is the highest-ever merchandise export figure in any October in our history,” EDB Chairman, Suresh […]
Central Bank expects inflation to remain high at around 8-9% in next few months
Sri Lanka’s Central Bank expects inflation to remain high at around 8-9% in the next few months, before gradually reverting to the desired 4-6% level thereafter. Releasing the ‘Recent Economic Developments’ report, the Central Bank said that the upward adjustments in retail market prices of some commodities, mainly driven by supply side factors and increased […]
‘s headline inflation increased to 7.6-pct in October
Headline inflation, as measured by the year-on-year (Y-o-Y) change in the Colombo Consumer Price Index, increased to 7.6 percent in October 2021 from 5.7 percent in September 2021 driven by monthly increases of prices of items in both Food and Non-food categories. Subsequently, Food inflation (Y-o-Y) increased to 12.8 percent in October 2021 from 10.0 […]
CBSL issues new rules on export proceeds conversion; applicable for both goods & services
The Monetary Board of the Central Bank has issued new rules, in respect of repatriation of export proceeds into Sri Lanka and conversion of such export proceeds to Sri Lanka Rupees, repealing the existing rules. The new rules are applicable for both exporters of goods and services in Sri Lanka. The new Rules require exporters […]
Regulating prices: From price mandates to more competition
Regulating prices: from price mandates to more competition The government recently removed the maximum retail price (MRP) on rice with a decision to import a buffer stock of rice to prevent any shortages. This is an important step in the right direction. Opening up the market for more competition will reduce the market power of […]
Central Bank removes cash margin deposit requirement on non-essential imports
Sri Lanka’s Central Bank has decided to discontinue the 100 percent cash margin deposit requirement against the importation of selected goods of non-essential/non-urgent nature with immediate effect. The decision to impose a cash margin deposit requirement was expected to support the efforts to preserve the stability of the exchange rate and foreign currency market liquidity, […]