Sri Lanka Holds Firm: Central Bank's Steady Rate Amid Economic Recovery

Sri Lanka's central bank maintained its key policy rate at 8% to bolster economic recovery from a financial crisis. Analysts anticipated this decision given low inflation and growth forecasts. The economy is recovering with 5% growth in 2024, aided by a new policy rate since November.

In a bid to support the island nation's ongoing economic recovery, Sri Lanka's central bank opted to keep its key policy rate unchanged at 8% for the second straight meeting. This decision, revealed on Wednesday, reflects the bank's strategic focus on stabilization following a severe financial crisis.

Despite the constraints posed by a dollar shortage just three years ago, the Sri Lankan economy demonstrated resilience by achieving a 5% growth rate in 2024—exceeding earlier predictions. Analysts and economists widely expected the central bank's move, anticipating prolonged benign inflation and a positive outlook for economic growth.

The central bank forecasts inflation to shift into positive territory by mid-2025, aligning more closely with its 5% target by year's end. The bank remains confident in its monetary policy to foster domestic economic expansion while controlling inflation.

(With inputs from agencies.)