While low inflation is mainly attributable to contained demand pressure in the economy, it was also supported by favourable supply side developments, particularly the downward revisions in domestic energy prices in the last few months of 2014. Subdued demand pressure and inflation expectations in the economy, the favourable impact of further reduction in fuel prices in January 2015, and the expected reduction of administered prices of other key commodities announced in the Government's '100-Day Programme' are expected to reduce inflation further in the months ahead, the Bank said.
Supported by historically low market interest rates in nominal terms, credit obtained by the private sector from commercial banks continued to expand at a healthy pace. Credit flows to the private sector increased by 6.5 per cent on a year-on-year basis in November 2014, while in absolute terms, the increase was Rs. 57.8 billion during the month, bringing the cumulative credit flows to the private sector to Rs. 147.4 billion during January to November 2014.
Credit granted against immovable property, plant and machinery, personal guarantees and promissory notes, and other securities as well as unsecured loans increased substantially in November 2014. It is expected that the increasing trend in private sector credit disbursements can be sustained throughout 2015 providing the necessary impetus to the growth momentum of the economy.
The Sri Lankan economy grew by 7.7 per cent during the third quarter of 2014 supported by strong performance in the Industry and the Services sectors. The Industry sector, which posted a growth of 12.4 per cent in the first half of 2014, maintained its growth momentum in the third quarter recording an expansion of 12.6 per cent.
The performance in the Industry sector was supported by the significant growth observed in the construction, manufacturing and mining and quarrying sub sectors.
In the meantime, the Services sector grew by 7.0 per cent while the Agriculture sector, which was hampered by weather related disruptions, contracted by 2.0 per cent. With appropriate macroeconomic policies to boost domestic and foreign investor confidence, the Sri Lankan economy is expected to record a robust performance in the period ahead.
Courtesy : President Media Unit
