Stability Amidst the Storm: CBSL Holds Policy Rates at 7.75%

The Monetary Policy Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) decided yesterday to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 7.75%. This decision comes as the bank balances a recovering domestic economy against the “heightened uncertainties” of the ongoing Middle East conflict. While headline inflation has decelerated to 1.6%, the CBSL remains cautious about potential “cost-push” pressures on the logistics and energy sectors.

For the logistics industry, this steady rate is a signal of macro-stability, providing a predictable interest rate environment for firms looking to finance fleet upgrades or warehouse expansions. However, the bank warned that the “External Sector” remains vulnerable to shipping disruptions, which could still impact the cost of imported raw materials for our exporters.

Source: Central Bank of Sri Lanka – Monetary Policy Review: March 2026