The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has issued a fresh circular to licensed commercial banks and licensed specialized banks on operations that should be carried out during the current quarantine curfew which will be in effect until 30 August.
According to the Daily Ft, the CBSL has instructed that all licensed banks shall make necessary arrangements to provide banking services during this period.
Following are the directives issued by the CBSL to licensed commercial banks and licensed specialized banks.
- Open bank branches only to provide essential services such as trade financing, treasury operations, clearing activities, payment of salaries, responding to other urgent requests or inquiries of customers, etc.
- Operate with the minimal staff required to provide very restricted, essential banking services on a roster basis, or the branches shall only be opened on specified days taking note of specific requirements of customers of each branch.
- Strictly adhere to all relevant safety measures and guidelines.
- Publish notices informing the general public how essential banking services can be obtained.
- Take adequate measures to keep the banks’ customers informed of the contact details for obtaining essential banking services during this period, including the display of contact details of branch staff at the branch and hotline numbers, considering the various preferred modes of transacting.
- Ensure that customer inquiries are answered and resolved expeditiously.
- Continue to facilitate and encourage the use of electronic/digital channels, including Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), Cash Deposit Machines (CDMs), Cash Recycling Machines (CRMs), and mobile banking vehicles. (NewsWire)