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ஜெனரல்
Dr. Sujeetha Jegajeevan, CBSL Director of Economic Research, highlighted that the Central Bank of Sri Lanka's (CBSL) purchase of excess dollars in the market is enhancing rupee liquidity. Speaking at a CMA Sri Lanka seminar, she explained that CBSL's acquisition of surplus dollars using rupees improves market liquidity conditions. Currently, the liquidity surplus is manageable, with the total outstanding market liquidity at Rs. 132.8 billion as of May 17, compared to Rs. 151.8 billion a week earlier. The currency in circulation stands at Rs. 1.25 trillion. CBSL purchased $1,620 million in the first four months of 2024 while selling only $59 million, resulting in lower forex market demand and reducing the average daily interbank forex volume to $19.14 million from $64.65 million a year ago.
As of March 2024, total dollar inflows from exports, tourism, and remittances amounted to $5,730.9 million, while outflows from imports were $4,397.9 million. Jegajeevan noted that if liquidity levels become excessive, CBSL would conduct open market operations, such as short-term or long-term auctions, to absorb excess liquidity and prevent inflationary pressures. This proactive approach ensures that market liquidity remains balanced and inflation is kept in check.
