Sri Lanka's Central Bank Extends SME Relief Deadline

Colombo (News 1s): The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has announced a final extension of the deadline for banks to finalize loan rescheduling agreements with eligible SME borrowers to June 30, 2025. 

This crucial extension provides a vital two-week reprieve from the previous deadline of June 15, 2025.

The CBSL's directive, issued to all licensed commercial and specialized banks, aims to facilitate the sustainable revival of businesses adversely affected in the recent past. It builds upon previous relief measures outlined in Circular No. 04 of 2024 (dated December 19, 2024) and Addendum Circular No. 01 of 2025 (dated January 1, 2025).

Under these provisions, licensed banks have been advised to provide further concessions, including interest reliefs and new lending facilities, to affected SME borrowers. 

This applies specifically to businesses that had already commenced discussions for business revival with their respective banks by March 31, 2025.