The Government of India has considered the Indian currency to be used for local
transactions in Sri Lanka. This was announced by Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali
Sabry on July 22, 2022, after his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra
Modi. The move is seen as a way to help,
Sri Lanka's attempt to use the Indian rupee |
Sri Lanka's economy, which is currently in crisis.
There are a few reasons why the Indian government might consider this
move. First, it would make it easier for Indian tourists and businesses to
operate in Sri Lanka.
Currently, they have to convert their rupees into Sri Lankan rupees, which
can be a hassle and can lead to losses due to unfavorable exchange rates.
Second, it would help to stabilize the Sri Lankan rupee, which has been
depreciating rapidly in recent months. Third, it would boost trade between
the two countries.
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to this move. For
example, it could lead to inflation in Sri Lanka, as the increased demand
for Indian rupees would drive up prices. Additionally, it could make it
more difficult for Sri Lanka to maintain its own monetary policy.
Overall, the decision of whether or not to allow the use of the Indian
rupee for local transactions in Sri Lanka is a complex one. There are both
potential benefits and drawbacks to the move, and the Sri Lankan
government will need to carefully weigh these factors before making a
decision.
What is the reason for using Indian Rupee in Sri Lanka?
There are a few reasons why Indian Rupee is used in Sri Lanka.
Geographic proximity and cultural ties: India and Sri Lanka are
neighboring countries with a long history of trade and cultural exchange.
This has led to a high degree of familiarity with the Indian rupee among
Sri Lankans, and it is often seen as a more stable currency than the Sri
Lankan rupee.
Economic ties: India is Sri Lanka's largest trading partner, and the two
countries have a significant amount of economic interdependence. This
makes it convenient for businesses in both countries to use the Indian
rupee as a common currency.
Financial crisis: Sri Lanka is currently in the midst of a financial
crisis, and its foreign exchange reserves are depleted. This has made it
difficult for the Sri Lankan government to obtain foreign currency, and
the use of the Indian rupee can help to alleviate this problem.
In July 2022, Sri Lanka officially designated the Indian rupee as a
designated foreign currency. This means that the Indian rupee can be used
for trade and investment between the two countries, and it can also be
used for local transactions in Sri Lanka. This is a significant
development, and it is likely to further strengthen the economic ties
between India and Sri Lanka.
Here are some additional benefits of using the Indian rupee in Sri Lanka:
It can help to reduce exchange rate volatility: When two countries use the
same currency, it can help to reduce exchange rate volatility, which can
make it easier for businesses to plan and make investments.
It can make trade easier: When two countries use the same currency, it can
make trade easier by eliminating the need to convert currencies. This can
save businesses time and money.
It can promote tourism: When tourists from India can use their own
currency in Sri Lanka, it can make it easier for them to travel and spend
money in the country. This can boost tourism revenue and help to create
jobs.
Overall, there are a number of reasons why the Indian rupee is used in Sri
Lanka. It is a convenient, stable, and familiar currency that can help to
promote trade, tourism, and economic development in both countries.
What is the economic benefit of using Indian currency for local transactions in Sri Lanka
There are a few economic benefits of using Indian currency for local
transactions in Sri Lanka. These include:
Reduced transaction costs: Currently, when Indian tourists and businesses
come to Sri Lanka, they have to convert their rupees into Sri Lankan
rupees. This can be a hassle and can lead to losses due to unfavorable
exchange rates. If Indian currency were to be used for local transactions,
this would eliminate the need for currency conversion, which would save
businesses and tourists money.
Stabilized Sri Lankan rupee:The Sri Lankan rupee has been depreciating
rapidly in recent months. This has made it difficult for businesses to
operate in Sri Lanka and has also led to inflation. If Indian currency
were to be used for local transactions, this would help to stabilize the
Sri Lankan rupee, which would benefit businesses and consumers.
Increased trade between India and Sri Lanka: The use of Indian currency
for local transactions would make it easier for businesses in India and
Sri Lanka to trade with each other. This would boost trade between the two
countries, which would benefit both economies.
Of course, there are also some potential drawbacks to using Indian
currency for local transactions in Sri Lanka. These include:
Inflation: The increased demand for Indian rupees could lead to inflation
in Sri Lanka.
Loss of monetary policy control: Sri Lanka would lose some control over
its monetary policy if it were to use Indian currency for local
transactions.
Overall, the economic benefits of using Indian currency for local
transactions in Sri Lanka outweigh the potential drawbacks. However, the
Sri Lankan government will need to carefully consider these factors before
making a decision.