COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – 31 August 2026 – The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) released its Daily Economic Indicators for August 28, 2026, offering a snapshot of the nation’s financial health. The latest figures indicate a period of relative stability in key macroeconomic areas, with inflation rates maintaining their trajectory from July and a notable decline in Treasury Bill yield rates.
Macroeconomic Performance and Inflation Trends
Sri Lanka’s real GDP growth for the first quarter of 2026 stood at a healthy 5.1%, reflecting continued economic expansion. On the inflation front, year-on-year changes for July 2026 showed the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) at 7.2% and the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) at 7.3%. These figures suggest that inflationary pressures are being managed, providing a degree of predictability for businesses and consumers.
Monetary Policy and Money Market Dynamics
The CBSL’s policy rates remain consistent, with the Official Policy Rate (OPR) at 8.75% and the Statutory Reserve Ratio (SRR) at 10.95%. The Weekly Average Weighted Prime Lending Rate (AWPR) was recorded at 9.35% as of August 28, 2026. A significant development in the money market was the downward revision in Treasury Bill yield rates:
- 91-Day Treasury Bills: Declined to 8.98% on August 28, from 9.06% on August 24.
- 182-Day Treasury Bills: Reduced to 9.40%, down from 9.44%.
- 364-Day Treasury Bills: Fell to 9.84%, from 9.89%.
Overnight liquidity in the money market stood at Rs. 113.13 billion on August 28, a decrease from Rs. 182.87 billion on August 25. Meanwhile, the Currency in Circulation marginally increased to Rs. 1,664,835.18 million, and Reserve Money reached Rs. 1,922,457.32 million.
Exchange Rate Movements
The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) showed consistent values against major international currencies on August 28, 2026, for Telegraphic Transfers (TT) as reported by selected Licensed Banks:
- USD: TT Buying at Rs. 323.5157, TT Selling at Rs. 332.6643.
- GBP: TT Buying at Rs. 438.6015, TT Selling at Rs. 453.2505.
- EUR: TT Buying at Rs. 375.5845, TT Selling at Rs. 388.8819.
- JPY: TT Buying at Rs. 2.0228, TT Selling at Rs. 2.0959.
The indicative rate for the USD/LKR Spot Exchange Rate was Rs. 328.61.
Colombo Stock Exchange Performance
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) demonstrated positive activity on August 28, 2026. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) closed at 21,315.91, while the S&P SL20 Index reached 6,005.34. Daily Turnover was recorded at Rs. 2,204.05 million, with Market Capitalization standing at Rs. 7,716.27 billion. The Price-to-Earnings (PE) Ratio was 11.22. Foreign investor activity saw purchases totaling Rs. 850.12 million against sales of Rs. 824.13 million, indicating a net foreign inflow.
Global and Local Energy Market Overview
Global petroleum product prices on August 28, 2026, continued to reflect market dynamics. Brent crude oil was priced at USD 87.31 per barrel. Locally, CPC prices remained unchanged:
- 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 28, 2026, totaled 52.92 GWh, with a peak demand of 2,792.80 MW. The energy mix was dominated by Hydro (42.1%), followed by Thermal Coal (21.2%), Solar (14.6%), Thermal Oil (14.1%), Wind (7.4%), and Biomass (0.6%).
The daily economic indicators provide crucial insights into Sri Lanka’s economic environment, signaling a stable yet dynamic period characterized by managed inflation and active financial markets.
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