CBSL sees no need for moratorium for MSMEs

Thursday, 26 March 2026 00:26 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

CBSL Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe says does not see justification for such measures at this stage
Notes banking sector healthy, no spike in NPLs expected

Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe yesterday said no official request has been made to grant a financial moratorium or suspend the implementation of the parate law for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), despite concerns raised by some sectors over rising costs.

Responding to questions at a media briefing, the Governor said the CBSL does not see justification for such measures at this stage.

“No, we don’t see any requests coming in. I think it’s too early to do that. The banking sector is quite healthy and I don’t recommend such measures for the time being,” he said.

His remarks come amid calls from Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, along with certain industry groups, including MSMEs and plantation sector representatives, who have highlighted mounting economic strain due to higher energy prices and input costs.

When asked whether the CBSL anticipates a spike in non-performing loans (NPLs) as a result of these pressures, the Governor said current indicators do not point to a deterioration in asset quality.

“For the time being, we haven’t seen anything like that,” he said, indicating that there is no visible trend suggesting a surge in loan defaults. (CdeS)