The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has announced a final extension of the deadline for banks to complete loan rescheduling agreements with eligible Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) until June 30, 2025.
This move offers a two-week reprieve from the earlier deadline of June 15, 2025, providing affected businesses with additional time to finalize necessary arrangements with their banks.
According to the CBSL, the directive—issued to all licensed commercial and specialized banks—is part of continued efforts to facilitate the sustainable recovery of businesses that have faced economic hardship in recent years.
The new guidance builds on previous relief measures outlined in:
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Circular No. 04 of 2024 (dated December 19, 2024), and
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Addendum Circular No. 01 of 2025 (dated January 1, 2025).
Key Provisions:
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Licensed banks are advised to grant further concessions, including interest relief and new lending facilities, to support revival efforts.
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The extension specifically applies to SMEs that had already initiated revival discussions with their banks by March 31, 2025.
The Central Bank emphasized that this is the final deadline extension, and urged all stakeholders to expedite the rescheduling process to ensure business continuity and financial stability across the SME sector.
