COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – 24 August 2026 – The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has released its “Daily Economic Indicators” report for August 21, 2026, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the nation’s financial and economic health. The report, crucial for policymakers, businesses, and the public, details key figures across monetary policy, capital markets, energy, and overall economic performance, reflecting a dynamic period for the Sri Lankan economy.
National Economic Performance and Inflation
According to the latest data, Sri Lanka’s real GDP growth for the first quarter of 2026 (2026Q1) stood at a robust 5.1%, indicating a healthy expansion in economic activity. On the inflation front, the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) change for July 2026 registered at 7.2%, while the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) Y-o-Y change for the same month was marginally higher at 7.3%. These figures suggest a continued moderation of inflationary pressures, a positive sign for consumer purchasing power.
Monetary Policy and Market Liquidity
The CBSL’s monetary policy stance remains consistent, with the Policy Rate (OPR) holding at 8.75% and the Statutory Reserve Ratio (SRR) at 2.00%. The Weekly Average Weighted Prime Lending Rate (AWPR) was reported at 10.86%. In the money market, overnight liquidity experienced a notable shift, moving from Rs. 130.25 billion on August 20 to Rs. 78.51 billion on August 21, 2026. The Annual Weighted Average Call Money Rate (AWCMR) stood at 8.86% and the Annual Weighted Average Repo Rate (AWRR) at 8.81% for August 21, 2026.
Yield rates for Treasury Bills on August 21, 2026, were recorded as follows:
- 182 Day T-Bills: 9.50% (down from 9.60% on August 19)
- 364 Day T-Bills: 9.90% (down from 9.91% on August 19)
The 91 Day T-Bill yield for August 21 was not directly provided in the summary table.
Exchange Rate Movements
The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) showed varied movements against major international currencies. On August 21, 2026, the indicative rate of the USD/LKR spot exchange rate was Rs. 330.17. Telegraphic Transfer (TT) buying and selling rates were:
- USD: Buying Rs. 325.1086, Selling Rs. 334.2331
- GBP: Buying Rs. 442.4264, Selling Rs. 457.2999
- EUR: Buying Rs. 378.8554, Selling Rs. 392.3076
- JPY: Buying Rs. 2.0381, Selling Rs. 2.1115
Colombo Stock Exchange Performance
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) demonstrated resilience, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) closing at 21,416.61 and the S&P SL20 at 6,028.09 on August 21, 2026. Daily turnover amounted to Rs. 1,219.22 million, and the total market capitalization reached Rs. 7,758.22 billion. The Price-to-Earnings (PE) Ratio stood at 11.28. Foreign investor activity recorded purchases of Rs. 30.55 million and sales of Rs. 88.71 million.
Energy Sector Update
Global petroleum product prices on August 21, 2026, saw Brent crude at USD 92.84 per barrel and WTI crude at USD 85.36 per barrel. OPEC crude was priced at USD 92.84 per barrel. Refined products (Singapore Platts) were: Petrol USD 113.97, Diesel USD 162.78, and Kerosene USD 154.68 per barrel.
Locally, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) prices remain stable:
- Petrol (92 Octane): Rs. 414.00 per litre
- Auto Diesel: Rs. 382.00 per litre
- Kerosene: Rs. 285.00 per litre
Electricity generation on August 21, 2026, totaled 56.84 GWh, with peak demand at 2,814.40 MW. The generation mix continues to rely heavily on thermal sources, with contributions from:
- Thermal Coal: 20.5%
- Thermal Oil: 16.5%
- Hydro: 36.5%
- Wind: 7.0%
- Solar: 18.9%
- Biomass: 0.6%
These daily indicators from the Central Bank provide crucial insights into Sri Lanka’s economic performance and market conditions, offering a valuable resource for stakeholders navigating the nation’s financial landscape.
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