Sri Lanka Holds Rates as Growth Quickens, Tariff Risks Loom (1)

Sri Lanka’s central bank left its benchmark rate unchanged for a second straight meeting, aiming to rein in demand as growth strengthens and inflation edges closer to target.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka maintained its overnight policy rate at 7.75% on Wednesday. Eight of 11 economists surveyed by Bloomberg expected no change, while the rest forecast a quarter-point cut.

“The continued expansion in private sector credit is expected to further support domestic economic activity in the period ahead,” the bank said in a statement. “Global financial conditions have eased, although geopolitical uncertainties remain,” it said.

The decision ...