Govt. eases restrictions on outward forex remittances

With a view to assist and maintain the financial system stability by minimising the pressure on the exchange rate and preserving the foreign currency reserve position of the country, Finance Minister has issued Orders under Section 22 of the Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 (FEA) since 02.04.2020, to temporarily suspend/limit certain outward remittances.

The Central Bank said considering the current and expected developments in the domestic foreign exchange market and with a view to further facilitate international transactions, Finance Minister with the recommendation of the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers, has issued a new Order under Section 22 of the FEA. 

This Order has relaxed certain limitations on outward remittances for capital transactions and removed the restrictions on current transfers of emigrants, while continuing the other suspensions/limitations which were imposed under the previous Order. 

The new Order is effective for six (06) months from 28.06.2023. The summary of the suspensions/limitations so relaxed are indicated in the Table below. Further information on the above can be accessed by referring the Order published in the Gazette (Extraordinary) Notification No. 2338/40 dated 28 June 2023, via the official website of the Department of Foreign Exchange, www.dfe.lk