CBSL Probes 18 Illegal Plantation Investment Schemes
- Editor
- February 6, 2026
- Business News, Investment
- CBSL, tea plantation
- 0 Comments
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has launched investigations into 18 entities suspected of illegally collecting public deposits through plantation-based investment schemes, warning the public against promises of unusually high returns.
The schemes, linked to investments in crops such as teak, mango, and wallapatta, are not regulated or supervised by the Central Bank. CBSL Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said such ventures are high-risk and often operate outside the law, leaving investors unprotected.
Under existing regulations, only Licensed Finance Companies and Licensed Specialised Banks may accept public deposits. Specialised Leasing Companies are prohibited from doing so and may raise funds only through approved instruments with prior CBSL approval.
The Central Bank stressed that it bears no responsibility for funds invested in unauthorised schemes and urged investors to verify the legal status of any investment before committing funds.
