Sri Lanka, Nov. 13 -- Private-sector lending in Sri Lanka reached Rs. 2.1 trillion during the first nine months of 2026, up from Rs. 1.9 trillion in the corresponding period last year.

However, the growing proportion of short-term borrowing prompted lawmakers to question whether credit was sufficiently supporting new investment and the expansion of productive capacity.

Licensed commercial banks provided approximately 74% of the credit extended during the period, Central Bank officials told Parliament's Committee on Public Finance.

Short-term facilities accounted for 47% of lending, compared with 42% a year earlier. In contrast, the share of long-term loans declined to 29% from 35%.

The committee, chaired by MP Harsha de Silva, request...