Foreign banks to step up support: CB

Monday, 1 December 2014 01:09 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Central Bank said yesterday that foreign banks in Sri Lanka are expected to demonstrate greater participation in economic activities and make a significant contribution to the economy. “Foreign banks expressed their commitment to operate as intermediaries of their entire international branch network to channel funds and expertise to several sectors of the economy,” the Central Bank said in a statement. This commitment from foreign banks was expressed during the Central Bank’s one-to-one meetings chaired by the Governor with the foreign banks to discuss the progress made on their expected contribution under the financial sector consolidation process. Several regional representatives of foreign banks were also present at these meetings, the Central Bank said. There are 12 foreign banks and two leaders last week reported improved lending. In the first nine months of 2014, HSBC Sri Lanka’s lending has increased by 20.5% to Rs. 155.56 billion from Rs. 129 billion as at end 2013. Standard Chartered Bank lending had increased by 12% to Rs. 55.6 billion from Rs. 49.5 billion. By end August 29014, total banking sector loans and advances grew by 5% year on year to Rs. 3.50 trillion. By end 2013 the figure was Rs. 3.42 trillion.

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