ARMA-Based Inflation Forecasting Under the Inflation Targeting Framework in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Inflation targeting has been introduced as one of the monetary policy framework since the end of the 1990s. Forecasting inflation under the inflation-targeting monetary policy framework is also expected to improve with superior performance by constantly feeding updated information into the forecasting process, considering the domestic and global market conditions and developments. Literature evidence that inflation forecasting under inflation targeting is a challenging task with risk and uncertainty that are not easy to capture even in the latest modeling techniques. Inflation-targeting monetary policy was adopted by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka after the enactment of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act with effect from 15.09.2023. This study examines inflation forecasting under the inflation-targeting monetary policy in Sri Lanka implemented with a clear mandate assigned in the agreement for a flexible inflation targeting framework to guide the market and inflation expectations. Automatic ARIMA forecasting techniques are employed to forecast inflation using two series of price indices with different base years from 2016M01 to 2026M12, and 2022M01 to 2026 M12 including 30 months as forecasting length. According to the findings, inflation forecasting is in line with the 5 percent targeted level with a 3 percent margin to fluctuate for both sides subject to the upside and downside risk factors. Accordingly, Inflation forecasting is within the inflation projections indicated under the inflation fan chart. It further suggests that inflation has been gradually stable in SL compared to the recently elevated inflation experience. Therefore, inflation targeting and projections can be used to shape and guide market expectations to facilitate decision-making in forward looking policies toward achieving and maintaining domestic price stability, which is the primary objective of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.