Gross foreign inflows to Govt. Securities top $ 500 m mark in 1H

Gross foreign investment in the Government securities market has crossed the $ 500 million mark in the first half of this year.

According to Central Bank data, January to June 2023 inflows amounted to $ 530 million as against a mere $ 11 million in the corresponding period of last year. 

Net inflow in June amounted to $ 63 million while cumulative net inflow during January to June 2023 amounted to $ 426 million. 

CBSL also said foreign inflows to Treasury bills increased in the last few months notably due to improved investor appetite, supported by more clarity on domestic debt optimisation operations.

Foreign inflows to the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), including both primary and secondary market transactions, recorded a marginal net inflow of $ 2 million during January-June 2023, despite recording a marginal net outflow of $ 0.9 million in June.