Census and Statistics Department announced that the second quarter GDP estimates would be delayed due to the COVID-19 situation and related challenges. Issuing a statement the Census and Statistics Department stated that they have decided to publish the second quarter GDP estimates along with the GDP estimates for the third quarter of 2020 on 15 December 2020.

The full statement as follows;

The second quarter of 2020 (April 1st to June 30th) is the quarter in which the country was completely or partially lockdown for nearly two months due to the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka. While it is obvious that many economic activities were crippled during that time, there have been instances where some other economic activities have taken place in a different way than usual. Some economic activities were also encouraged by Covid-19.

In this context, it is imperative to discuss with international consultants the methods of estimating the output value of certain industry and services activities. It was also decided to collect data on some of the above economic activities from other sources. We kindly inform you that we have decided to publish the above estimates along with the GDP estimates for the third quarter of 2020 on 15.12.2020 as it will take a considerable amount of time for that work and to ensure the accuracy of the estimates that will be published.