Budget deficit decreased by Rs. 559 billion in the first eight months of 2024

During the period from January to August 2024, overall budget deficit decreased to Rs. 911.0 bn compared to Rs. 1,470.7 bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2023, according to the Weekly Economic Indicators Report of the Central bank of Sri Lanka.

Several other key indicators as per the report are reproduced below.

During the eight months ending August 2024, government revenue and grants increased to Rs. 2,565.9 bn compared to Rs. 1,826.6 bn in the corresponding period of 2023.

Total expenditure and net lending increased to Rs. 3,476.9 bn from January to August 2024 compared to Rs. 3,297.3 bn in the corresponding period of 2023.

During the period from January to August 2024, net domestic financing decreased to Rs. 742.4 bn compared to Rs. 1,376.8 bn in the corresponding period of 2023. Net foreign financing increased to Rs. 168.6 bn during eight months ending August 2024 compared to the Rs. 93.8 bn recorded in corresponding period of 2023.

Outstanding central government debt increased marginally to Rs. 28,703.2 bn by end July of 2024 from Rs. 28,695.9 bn as at end 2023. By end of July 2024, total outstanding domestic debt amounted to Rs. 17,761.8 bn while the rupee value of total outstanding foreign debt amounted to Rs. 10,941.4 bn.