News
CB predicts rebounding of country’s economy in 2021
… growth magnitude tied to containing coronavirus
The Central Bank expects the country’s economic growth to rebound in 2021, and maintain the upward trajectory over the medium term, supported by pro-growth policies of the government.
“As projected under the medium-term macroeconomic framework of the CBSL, the economy is expected to grow by around 5.0 per cent in 2021,” the Central Bank said in its latest report on “Recent Economic Developments: Highlights of 2020 and Prospects for 2021?.
According to the monetary regulator, the economic growth is projected to contract by around 1.7 percent in 2020 compared to 2.3 percent growth recorded in 2019. It is predicted that the economy would recover during the second half of 2020 amidst the setback caused by the COVID-19 pandemic related disturbances.
The Industry related economic activities which were severely affected by the pandemic are expected to record a significantly high growth rate in 2021.
Major markets for Sri Lanka’s industrial exports are expected to normalize by early 2021 and contribute positively to the external demand for industrial exports thereby supporting the growth in manufacturing activities.
Services related economic activities are expected to continue its momentum during 2021. Investment activities are expected to grow significantly in 2021, supported by higher growth in private investments.
The outlook of the external sector, which is largely driven by the trade deficit, will depend on the global economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the domestic policy responses.
Policies to boost domestic production are also expected to ease the pressure on the external sector of the economy on a sustained basis.
“Nevertheless, the success of containing COVID-19 locally and globally remains critical in determining the pace and the magnitude of domestic economic recovery and revival in the period ahead,” the Central Bank said in its report.
Inflation is expected to be maintained within the desired range of 4-6 percent over the medium term.
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Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 12 April 2026, valid for 13 April 2026.
Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from 05th to 15th of April in this year.
The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (13th) are Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon.
The Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) TAIMUR and ASLAT arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 12 Apr 26.
The visiting ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in
compliance with naval traditions.
The duo of ships is commanded by Captain NIAMAT SAEED KHAN (PNS TAIMUR) and Captain NADIR MATEEN AFRIDI (PNS ASLAT).
Meanwhile, the ships are expected to conduct a Bilateral Naval Exercise LION STAR V with the Sri Lanka Navy in Colombo seas.
Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-western provinces.
Sun directly overhead Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon
PNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo
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