This paper tests a version of Barro’s tax-smoothing model, which assumes intertemporal optimization by a government seeking to minimize the distortionary costs of taxation, using Pakistan and Sri Lankan data for 1956-95 and 1964-97, respectively. The empirical results indicate that...

This paper discusses a request from the Sri Lankan authorities for a Stand-By Arrangement (SBA). The proposed SBA (of 400 percent of quota or SDR1.65 billion) would aim to smooth adjustment to the external shock that has hit the country, restore health to the country’s public finances, allow...

Economic conditions are improving in Sri Lanka, and are likely to show strong growth. The current account remains strong, and tourism arrivals are rapidly improving. Monetary conditions are stable, and the central bank's policy stance is appropriate. Reforming the board of investment will...

Sri Lanka’ performance under the Stand-by Arrangement is encouraging, but fundamental vulnerabilities remain. Executive Directors emphasized the need for strict adherence to program targets and steadfast implementation of the reform agenda. They commended deficit reduction and planned fiscal...

The macroeconomic stability of Sri Lanka is analyzed. Reflecting high domestic inflation relative to trading partners, the real effective exchange rate appreciated by 2 percent. Infrastructure development is a central element of the government’s medium-term development strategy. Further...

This paper attempts to assess the impact of the oil shock on South Asian economies, including Sri Lanka, as well as policy responses to deal with the shock, and the real income loss for low-income households if fuel subsidies were fully removed. The most important impact has been on the balance...

The experts reviewed the institutional framework, the relevant Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) laws, regulations, guidelines, and other requirements, and the regulatory and other systems in place to deter money laundering (ML) and the financing of...

This paper presents an update to the Financial System Stability Assessment on Sri Lanka. The paper discusses that despite a challenging macroeconomic environment characterized by a high fiscal deficit, inflationary pressures, and a widening current account, near-term risks to the financial...

The staff report for the 2007 Article IV Consultation on Sri Lanka highlights economic growth development and performance. Rising inflation, a high current account deficit, and low unemployment rate indicate that the economy may be operating at full capacity. High stock of public debt, rising...

This Selected Issues paper on Sri Lanka underlies the dynamics of growth and external competitiveness. The slowdown in the contribution of sectors that are labor intensive, together with faster growth in sectors that are capital intensive and have higher productivity levels, resulted in total...