Business

Credit growth towards productive sectors appears to remain inadequate: report

Published

5 years ago

2021/03/8

The Central Bank has stressed the need for financial system to actively lend to productive sectors at its meeting held on 03 March 2021.

Credit to productive sectors remains crucial in ensuring a sustained economic recovery, a Central Bank report said.

“Reflecting the transmission of monetary easing measures taken by the Central Bank in the recent past, both market deposit and lending rates have declined substantially towards establishing a single digit interest rate structure. Many market interest rates have declined to their historic lows. However, certain market interest rates, such as yields on government securities, have shown unwarranted volatility recently, which is not in line with monetary policy expectations. The Central Bank reiterates that the high level of excess liquidity in the money market and the reduction in policy interest rates thus far are intended to result in a stable low interest rate environment, while providing a positive real return to savers”, it said.

Some excerpts from above Central Bank report are reproduced below.

Reflecting the expansion in domestic credit, the growth of broad money (M2b) continued to accelerate. However, despite the substantial reduction in market lending rates, growth of credit towards productive sectors of the economy appears to remain inadequate. Going forward, the growth of credit to the private sector is expected to gather pace supported by low lending rates, the introduction of priority sector lending targets for banks on lending to the micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSME) sector, and rising demand for credit driven by improving investor sentiments. Discussions with the banking community and other stakeholders are ongoing to rectify deficiencies in extending credit to productive, growth-supportive, sectors.

The Monetary Board decided to maintain the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) of the Central Bank at their current levels of 4.50 per cent and 5.50 per cent, respectively.

The Board arrived at this decision after carefully considering the macroeconomic conditions and expected developments on the domestic and global fronts. The Board noted the recent slowdown in credit disbursements to the private sector and inadequate lending to productive sectors of the economy, and stressed the need for the financial system to actively lend to productive sectors in order to support the ongoing recovery of domestic production-based economic activity. Further, the Board observed the recent uptick in certain market interest rates, and reemphasised its commitment to continue the low interest rate structure until the economy shows signs of sustained revival, in the context of the low inflation environment.

The Sri Lankan economy is expected to make a notable recovery in 2021, supported by policy stimulus and improving business sentiments

Given the low inflation environment, the Central Bank is in the process of actively supporting the Government’s economic agenda focused on developing a production-based economy. Positive sentiments fuelled by the COVID-19 vaccination drive in the country and the impact of growth- promoting policies are expected to support the economic revival over the short to medium term.

The trade deficit contracted by US dollars 2.0 billion in 2020 benefiting from the notable decline in expenditure on imports, which more than compensated the decline in earnings from exports. The trade deficit is expected to remain compressed in 2021, supported by appropriate measures taken by the Government. Workers’ remittances continued to increase steadily from mid 2020, recording an annual increase of 5.8 per cent, and a further growth of 16.3 per cent in January 2021, from a year earlier. The tourism sector is expected to gradually recover in 2021 along with the rollout of vaccinations locally and globally. The exchange rate has recorded intermittent volatility, and the Central Bank has taken steps to dampen excessive speculation causing such volatility in the foreign exchange market. The Sri Lankan rupee has depreciated by 4.5 per cent against the US dollar thus far in 2021 following the 2.6 per cent depreciation in 2020. Gross official reserves were estimated at US dollars 4.8 billion, with an import cover of 3.7 months, at end January 2021. Discussions are continuing on securing foreign financing. Furthermore, increased non-debt creating foreign exchange inflows are expected, supported by the measures introduced by the Government.

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Business

Fifty ninth ADB Annual Meet opens in Samarkand amid global uncertainty

Published

22 hours ago

2026/05/4

Thilina Walpola

Guests from member countries of the ADB arrive at the venue for the 59th Annual Meeting of the Bank in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, yesterday

The 59th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors is set to commence this week, bringing together finance ministers, central bank governors, policymakers and development leaders from across Asia and beyond at a time of mounting global economic and geopolitical uncertainty.

Addressing journalists ahead of the opening sessions, Bernard Woods, Principal Director of the Department of Communications, said the meetings were beginning at a pivotal moment for the world, with fuel markets, food security and fertilizer supply chains coming under strain due to tensions in the Middle East.

He noted that amid rising political and economic fragmentation, regional connections and stronger collaboration have become more important than ever. Against that backdrop, the key sessions and high-level discussions in Samarkand will focus on building collective resilience and strengthening cooperation among member countries.

Among the major themes expected to dominate the agenda are cross-border digital connectivity, cyber security, energy integration, capital market development, transport corridors and the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence to improve resilience and productivity in member economies. Woods also said discussions would examine how resources can be distributed more effectively to meet the unique development priorities of each country.

The official programme features a series of strategic seminars and media events over four days. The opening session of the Board of Governors will include addresses by high profile authorities and subject experts.

Other key sessions include discussions on how capital markets can drive development across Asia and the Pacific, scaling up investments for critical minerals and manufacturing value chains, digital highways for inclusive growth, and pan-Asia transport and power connectivity initiatives.

ADB President Kanda is also scheduled to hold a press conference to announce major new initiatives, while several technical briefings will examine global value chains, private sector operations, digital transformation and regional energy cooperation.

With global shocks increasingly spilling across borders, the Samarkand meeting is expected to underline a central message: that regional cooperation, practical partnerships and timely investment remain essential for sustaining growth and stability across Asia and the Pacific.

By Sanath Nanayakkare in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Business

Nations Trust Bank completes transfer of HSBC Sri Lanka’s Retail Banking Business to its portfolio

Published

22 hours ago

2026/05/4

Thilina Walpola

Nations Trust Bank PLC (NTB) has announced that the transfer of Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation’s (HSBC) Retail Banking business in Sri Lanka to NTB has officially been completed, with the acquired portfolio transitioning to NTB effective 1st May 2026.

NTB has integrated HSBC Sri Lanka’s retail banking customers into its operations, ensuring continuity of service and relationship management. The transition also includes the onboarding of HSBC Sri Lanka staff as part of the integration process. The transition has been carried out with a focus on operational stability and minimal disruption, with ongoing support in place as customers familiarise themselves with their banking arrangements at NTB.

The migration brings approximately 200,000 retail customer accounts under NTB, encompassing savings and current accounts, fixed deposits, credit and debit cards, retail loans and a high‑net‑worth customer segment that now joins Nations Trust Bank Private Banking. Through this transfer, Nations Trust Bank’s countrywide network expands to 96 branches. The transition adds seven branches to the network, with locations in Bambalapitiya, Flower Road, Union Place, and Pelawatte operating as dedicated Private Banking Centres, while three other branches are located in Nugegoda, Jaffna, and Kandy.

To support customers during the transition period, NTB has ensured that multiple access points and support channels remain available. Customers may continue to bank through the nearest NTB branch, contact NTB’s 24-hour Help Desk via +94 11 441 4151, and access digital banking services through the Nations Direct mobile app. Dedicated transfer‑related information and FAQs are also available at https://migration.nationstrust.com

Additionally, arrangements were made to extend branch support across two weekends as part of the transition programme.

Business

Amana Takaful named Sri Lanka’s Most Awarded Insurance Company

Published

22 hours ago

2026/05/4

Thilina Walpola

(L) Siva Karthigun, Chief Executive Officer – General and Gehan Rajapakse, Chief Executive Officer – Life

Amana Takaful Insurance has been recognized as Sri Lanka’s Most Awarded Insurance Company for 2026 by LMD Magazine, marking its third consecutive year of achievement. This recognition reflects the company’s consistent focus on delivering value across both its Life and General businesses, supported by customer-centric solutions, operational discipline, and continued innovation.

Over the years, Amana Takaful has strengthened its market position by enhancing service delivery, investing in digital capabilities, and expanding access to insurance solutions for a wider segment of Sri Lankans.

Commenting on the recognition, Siva Karthigun, Chief Executive Officer – General, stated: “This recognition reflects the discipline and focus we maintain across our operations to deliver consistent outcomes for our customers. Our continued investments in process improvements, digital capabilities, and service excellence have enabled us to strengthen our responsiveness and reliability, ensuring we meet the evolving expectations of our customers across all touchpoints.”

Commenting further, Gehan Rajapakse, Chief Executive Officer – Life, stated: “This recognition reflects the consistency of our efforts in delivering meaningful value to our customers, while continuously strengthening our capabilities across both Life and General businesses. As we move forward, our focus remains on enhancing accessibility, leveraging digital innovation, and ensuring our solutions remain relevant to the evolving needs of Sri Lankans, while maintaining the highest standards of service and reliability.”

Notably, a significant portion of these awards were received for digital excellence, underscoring the company’s continued progress in its digital transformation journey. Amana Takaful’s investments in technology-driven solutions, process automation, and enhanced digital customer experiences have played a key role in strengthening accessibility, efficiency, and service delivery across both Life and General businesses.

The recognition further reinforces Amana Takaful’s standing within the industry, highlighting its ability to sustain performance and adapt in a dynamic environment. For Every Sri Lankan, as one.