The overall non performing loans (NPL) ratio of the banking sector increased from 2.5 per cent at end 2017 to 3.4 per cent at end of 2018.
NPLs of the main two state banks, Bank of Ceylon and People‟s Bank were Rs.53.75 billion and Rs. 31.47 billion respectively by end of 2018 and accordingly NPL ratio reported as 1 per cent and 2.48 per cent respectively showing lower ratios than banking sector at the end of 2018.
The customer deposits continued to be the major source of liabilities which accounted for 72 per cent of the total liabilities and Capital of the banking sector.
Deposit of the main two state banks, Bank of Ceylon and People‟s Bank were Rs.1,765 billion and Rs.1,423 billion respectively as at the end of the year 2018 which accounted for 37.5 per cent from the total deposits of the banking sector.
Total borrowings of the banking sector increased significantly by Rs.156.3 billion (9.7 percent) in 2018 compared to the decline of Rs.89.3 billion (negative growth of 5.3 per cent) in 2017.
This increase in 2018 was mainly due to the increase of Rupee borrowing which grew by 23.7 per cent (Rs.142.3 billion) in 2018.Borrowing of the main two state banks were Rs.237 billion.
The deposit base of the banking sector increased by Rs.1, 100 billion during the year reaching Rs.8, 500 billion at end 2018.
The share of time deposits in total deposits had increased to 65.5 percent at end 2018 compared to 63.6 percent at end 2017.Time Deposits of the main two state banks totaled Rs.1,743 billion by the end of 2018.
(LI)