CBSL releases August Monetary Policy Report

The Central Bank this week released its second Monetary Policy Report for 2024, in keeping with the requirements of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Act No. 16 of 2023. 

The content of this report is based on information that the Monetary Policy Board of the Central Bank considered in formulating the monetary policy decision during the July 2024 review.

The Monetary Policy Report provides forward-looking insights about the economy, particularly in terms of inflation and economic growth. The report also aims to provide an assessment of risks to the projections on inflation and economic growth, considering the ongoing and expected developments on domestic and global fronts. 

Through this report, the Central Bank strives to improve transparency and accountability by communicating the rationale behind its recent monetary policy decisions.

The key highlights include: 

• An accommodative monetary policy stance was continued thus far in 2024, in line with easing inflationary pressures. 
• Following a temporary rise in early 2024, headline inflation declined notably thereafter due to reductions in energy prices, a slowdown in food inflation, and subdued demand conditions.
• Headline inflation is expected to remain well below the targeted level of 5% (Year-on-Year) in the near term, and gradually stabilise around the targeted level over the medium term.
• Economic activity continued to rebound in 2024, supported by the gradual restoration of macroeconomic stability, low interest rates, and improving investor confidence. 
• The Sri Lankan economy is expected to continue its growth momentum in 2024, gradually moving towards its potential level over the medium term.

The Monetary Policy Report, which is an online publication, is available on the official website of the Central Bank at https://www.cbsl.gov.lk/publications/economic-and-financial-reports/monetary-policyreports.