CB issues directive to banks on sovereign bonds purchase

Central Bank has directed all licensed commercial banks and National Savings Bank to suspend the purchase of Sri Lanka International Sovereign Bonds (ISBs) for six months unless such purchase is funded by new foreign currency inflows sourced from abroad.

This direction is with immediate effect.

Central Bank said the move was to ease the pressure on the exchange rate and the stress on financial markets due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.