Colombo, Sri Lanka – 01 September 2026 – The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has released its comprehensive “Daily Economic Indicators” report for August 31, 2026, offering a snapshot of the nation’s financial health and key market movements. The report, a crucial resource for policymakers, investors, and the general public, highlights trends in growth, inflation, monetary policy, and market performance as of the close of business yesterday.
Inflationary Trends and Growth Momentum
The latest indicators reveal a continued focus on managing inflation alongside sustaining economic growth. Sri Lanka’s Real GDP Growth for the first quarter of 2026 stood at a notable 5.1% (2026Q1), signalling a positive trajectory for the economy.
However, inflation metrics show a slight upward movement:
- NCPI Year-on-Year Change: Increased to 8.0% in August 2026, up from 7.2% in July 2026.
- CCPI Year-on-Year Change: Also recorded at 8.0% for August 2026.
Monetary Policy and Money Market Stability
The CBSL’s monetary policy stance remains consistent, with the Policy Rate (OPR) maintained at 8.75% and the Statutory Reserve Ratio (SRR) at 10.95%.
Key money market figures for August 31, 2026, include:
- Overnight Liquidity: Increased to Rs. 132.33 billion, up from Rs. 113.13 billion on August 28, 2026.
- Yield Rates of Treasury Bills:
- 91-Day T-Bills: 8.98% (down from 9.06% on August 24, 2026).
- 182-Day T-Bills: Data for August 31, 2026, not yet available, but stood at 9.44% on August 24, 2026.
- 364-Day T-Bills: Data for August 31, 2026, not yet available, but stood at 9.89% on August 24, 2026.
- Currency in Circulation: Stood at Rs. 1,664,835.20 million.
- Reserve Money: Recorded at Rs. 1,914,332.01 million.
Exchange Rate Performance
The Sri Lankan Rupee showed minor fluctuations against major international currencies. The indicative USD/LKR Spot Exchange Rate was reported at 328.01 on August 31, 2026.
Telegraphic Transfer (TT) rates on August 31, 2026, were as follows:
- USD: Buying at Rs. 323.4208, Selling at Rs. 332.4895
- GBP: Buying at Rs. 436.8045, Selling at Rs. 451.3678
- EUR: Buying at Rs. 373.5411, Selling at Rs. 386.7329
- JPY: Buying at Rs. 2.0173, Selling at Rs. 2.0900
Colombo Stock Exchange Highlights
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) continued to demonstrate activity, reflecting investor sentiment. As of August 31, 2026:
- Daily Turnover: Rs. 1,014.98 million
- Market Capitalization: Rs. 7,730.83 billion
- PE Ratio: 11.20
- Foreign Purchases: Rs. 50.93 million
- Foreign Sales: Rs. 32.25 million
Energy Sector Update
Global and local energy prices remain a significant factor for the Sri Lankan economy.
Global Petroleum Products (USD per Barrel)
- Crude Oil Refined (Singapore Platts) on August 31, 2026:
- Brent: 91.00
- WTI: 86.45
- OPEC: 89.59
- Refined Products on August 31, 2026:
- Petrol: 117.98
- Diesel: 157.62
- Kerosene: 150.64
Electricity Generation (August 31, 2026)
- Total Energy: 57.24 GWh (up from 47.90 GWh on August 28, 2026)
- Peak Demand: 2,947.60 MW (up from 2,552.70 MW on August 28, 2026)
- Generation Mix (Percentage):
- Thermal Coal: 12.4%
- Thermal Oil: 23.7%
- Hydro: 36.7%
- Wind: 4.6%
- Solar: 22.3%
- Biomass: 0.4%
CPC Local Prices (LKR per Litre)
- Petrol (92 octane): 399.00
- Auto Diesel: 382.00
- Kerosene: 285.00
The Central Bank’s daily release of these economic indicators underscores its commitment to transparency and provides vital data for understanding Sri Lanka’s current economic landscape. These figures will be closely watched as the nation navigates its path towards sustained stability and growth.
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