The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has entered into a strategic partnership with Australia’s Skills for an Inclusive Economy (S4IE) program to strengthen digital financial literacy among Sri Lanka’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), reinforcing efforts to support inclusive economic recovery and sustainable growth.

The collaboration was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CBSL Governor Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe and Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Matthew Duckworth. The pilot initiative aims to improve access to finance, strengthen institutional coordination, and create a more enabling environment for MSMEs across the country.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Weerasinghe noted that the initiative reflects CBSL’s commitment to practical and evidence-based solutions that can be refined and expanded over time to deliver sustainable outcomes. Matthew Duckworth emphasised Australia’s focus on building scalable systems and long-term partnerships capable of extending benefits beyond the pilot phase.

Representatives from the Australian High Commission, including Zoe Kidd and R. Sivasuthan, also reaffirmed Australia’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s economic resilience and institutional development.

The initiative aligns with broader national efforts to promote digital inclusion, financial empowerment, and long-term economic stability.