COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – 10 September 2026 – The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has released its ‘Daily Economic Indicators’ for 09 September 2026, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the nation’s economic health across various sectors. The report, crucial for policymakers, investors, and the general public, details key monetary, fiscal, and real sector developments as the country navigates its path towards sustained growth and stability.
Real Sector Performance and Inflation Trends
Sri Lanka’s economy demonstrated a positive trajectory with Real GDP Growth for the first quarter of 2026 recorded at 5.1%. While a full year-on-year figure was not immediately available in the daily report, this Q1 performance sets a promising tone.
Inflation figures show a mixed trend:
- National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) Y-o-Y Change: July 2026 saw an 8.75% increase, followed by 10.92% in August 2026.
- Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) Y-o-Y Change: The urban inflation measure stood at 7.2% in July 2026, rising to 8.0% in August 2026.
These figures indicate ongoing price adjustments, which the CBSL continues to monitor closely to maintain macroeconomic stability.
Monetary Policy and Market Liquidity
The CBSL’s proactive monetary policy framework remains central to managing economic conditions. As of 09 September 2026:
- Policy Rate (OPR): Held at 9.03%.
- Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR): 9.01%
- Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR): 9.77%
- Statutory Reserve Ratio (SRR): Maintained at 9.74%.
- Weekly Average Weighted Prime Lending Rate (AWPR): Not explicitly detailed in the summary, but related money market rates are provided.
Overnight liquidity in the money market saw a notable increase, rising from Rs. 119.80 billion on 08 September 2026 to Rs. 158.14 billion on 09 September 2026. The Overnight Money Market rates also reflected market dynamics, with the Average Weighted Call Money Rate (AWCMR) at 9.35% and the Average Weighted Repo Rate (AWRR) at 9.00% on 09 September 2026.
Currency in Circulation marginally decreased to Rs. 1,651,979.26 million from Rs. 1,655,307.77 million, while Reserve Money saw a slight uptick to Rs. 1,918,608.14 million from Rs. 1,917,178.24 million.
Exchange Rate Movements
The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) showed moderate fluctuations against major international currencies. The indicative spot exchange rate for the USD/LKR was reported at Rs. 328.77. The Telegraphic Transfer (TT) rates for 09 September 2026 were:
- USD: Buying at 324.2860, Selling at 333.2894
- GBP: Buying at 438.0717, Selling at 452.6746
- EUR: Buying at 375.7903, Selling at 389.0371
- JPY: Buying at 2.1057, Selling at 2.1805
Government Securities and Share Market Insights
The Treasury Bill market saw varying yield rates on 09 September 2026:
- 91-Day T-Bills: 9.24%
- 182-Day T-Bills: 9.77%
- 364-Day T-Bills: 10.92%
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) continued to attract attention. As of 09 September 2026:
- All Share Price Index (ASPI): Closed at 21,466.00 points.
- S&P SL20 Index: Reached 6,033.87 points.
- Daily Turnover: Rs. 972.23 million.
- Market Capitalisation: Rs. 7,790.80 billion.
- P/E Ratio: 11.41.
Foreign participation in the CSE indicated net selling, with foreign purchases at Rs. 9.87 million and foreign sales at Rs. 81.16 million.
Energy Sector Update
Sri Lanka’s energy landscape on 09 September 2026 recorded total electricity generation at 59.55 GWh, with a peak demand of 3,033.50 MW. The energy mix highlights a significant reliance on thermal sources:
- Thermal Coal: 19.2%
- Thermal Oil: 21.9%
- Hydro: 30.0%
- Wind: 6.1%
- Solar: 21.8%
- Biomass: 0.9%
Global petroleum product prices on 09 September 2026 showed Brent crude at USD 101.33 per barrel, WTI at USD 96.50 per barrel, and OPEC crude at USD 107.46 per barrel. Refined products in Singapore Platts were priced at USD 128.00 for Petrol, USD 170.26 for Diesel, and USD 163.61 for Kerosene.
Locally, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) prices remained:
- Petrol (92 octane): LKR 399.00 per litre
- Auto Diesel: LKR 382.00 per litre
- Kerosene: LKR 285.00 per litre
The CBSL’s daily indicators continue to provide transparent and timely data, essential for gauging the nation’s economic pulse and informing strategic decisions across all sectors.
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