The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) says it has observed that certain market players are not being fully compliant with the regulatory measures introduced to ensure adequate foreign exchange liquidity in the banking system.
A statement published by the Central Bank pointed out that it has been implementing several measures in tandem with the government to ease the burden of the current economic hardships on the people.
“One major factor that is contributing to the current crisis and the resultant hardships is the lack of foreign exchange liquidity in the banking system.”
Such shortage of forex liquidity has affected the provision of essential imports, including fuel, the Central Bank explained, adding that it was compelled to impose surrender requirements on export earnings to ensure adequate foreign exchange liquidity in the banking system.
“Further, measures were taken by the government and the Central Bank to discourage foreign exchange outflows, such as imposing restrictions on certain imports and payment terms and introducing margin requirements, while encouraging foreign inflows through the banking system, rather than those being channelled through the grey market,” the statement read further.
The Central Bank stressed that the success of these regulatory measures and the ability to achieve the intended outcomes depend on the support and cooperation from the trading community and the banking system.
However, the Central Bank said that it has been brought to its notice that certain market players are not being fully compliant with these regulations.
According to the statement, such practice, if continued, would deprive the people of the support expected from the government in difficult times, while undermining the moral obligation of ‘equal burden sharing’ that is expected of all stakeholders under difficult and extraordinary circumstances.
Against this backdrop, and in the best interest of the nation, the Central Bank reiterated to all stakeholders of the economy, that, going forward, it would take all efforts to strictly monitor and ensure compliance with all regulations on foreign exchange transactions, including repatriation requirements of export proceeds, conversions, and mandatory sales to the Central Bank.
Any instances of non-compliance will be dealt with stern action within the provisions of all applicable laws, the Central Bank warned the market players.
The statement further read: “It is noteworthy that the CBSL has strengthened its capacity in relation to monitoring of foreign exchange transactions through the implementation of the Export Proceeds Monitoring System (EPMS) and the International Transactions Reporting System (ITRS), which is a comprehensive monitoring system of cross-border transactions and domestic foreign currency transactions.”
It explained that these systems facilitate regular monitoring of foreign exchange inflows and outflows. Further, assistance from independent professional bodies, including audit firms, is also being sought for the timely identification of any malpractices.
Hence, licensed banks and the trading community are urged to comply with the existing regulations and complement the efforts of the government and the Central Bank to provide much-needed assistance to all stakeholders of the economy under these extremely challenging circumstances.
Meanwhile, the export trading community is urged to continue to repatriate all export proceeds within the stipulated timeframe and surrender the residual earnings in accordance with the regulations.
The Central Bank requested the banking community to ensure strict adherence to all regulations in relation to foreign exchange transactions.
The statement noted that the government and the Central Bank are relentlessly pursuing efforts to secure bridging finance to reduce and alleviate economic stresses in the near term.
Notable progress has been made in the ongoing negotiations for an economic adjustment programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The debt restructuring process is also underway, capably assisted with the Legal and Financial Advisers, the Central Bank added.
“The Government and the CBSL remain committed to implementing much-needed reforms to overcome long-standing structural issues in the economy,” the statement read further.
The Central Bank further reiterated that overcoming current economic woes and distresses requires substantial and concerted efforts from all stakeholders of the economy.
“Foul play on the part of any group of stakeholders would inevitably result in the worsening of the crisis, thereby having widespread detrimental effects. It is the duty of everybody to act conscientiously and responsibly, and extend their unhindered support during this hour of need, for the nation to recover rapidly and emerge stronger from this crisis.”
