Colombo, September 17, 2026 – The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) today released its “Daily Economic Indicators” report for September 16, 2026, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the nation’s financial and energy landscape. The latest figures reveal a dynamic economic environment, with key metrics in inflation, interest rates, exchange rates, and market activity showing a blend of stability and fluctuation.
Macroeconomic Fundamentals and Inflation Trends
According to the report, Sri Lanka’s Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for the second quarter of 2026 stood at 4.2%. On the inflation front, the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) Year-on-Year change recorded 7.2% for July 2026, which then saw a marginal increase to 8.0% in August 2026. These figures underscore the ongoing efforts to manage inflationary pressures while supporting economic expansion.
The CBSL’s Policy Rate (Operating Policy Rate – OPR) remained at 8.75%, with the Statutory Reserve Ratio (SRR) also steady at 10.73%. The Weekly Average Weighted Prime Lending Rate (AWPR) was recorded at 9.35% on September 16, 2026.
Monetary and Financial Market Insights
Yield rates for Treasury Bills saw minor shifts on September 16, 2026, compared to the previous day:
- 91-Day T-Bills: 9.18% (down from 9.19% on Sept 15)
- 182-Day T-Bills: 9.36% (up from 9.33% on Sept 15)
- 364-Day T-Bills: 9.88% (up from 9.84% on Sept 15)
The money market witnessed a significant increase in overnight liquidity, rising to Rs. 146.44 billion on September 16, 2026, from Rs. 92.55 billion on September 15. Currency in Circulation (CIC) marginally decreased to Rs. 1,653,650.77 million, while Reserve Money (RM) saw a slight increase to Rs. 1,925,092.41 million.
In the foreign exchange market, the indicative rate of the USD/LKR spot exchange rate was recorded at 330.18. Key Telegraphic Transfer (TT) exchange rates for September 16, 2026, were as follows:
- USD: Buying 326.3103, Selling 335.4833
- GBP: Buying 438.7541, Selling 453.3469
- EUR: Buying 375.4845, Selling 388.4904
- JPY: Buying 2.0952, Selling 2.1698
Colombo Stock Exchange Performance
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) demonstrated robust activity on September 16, 2026. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) closed at 21,133.41, while the S&P SL20 Index reached 5,947.29. Daily turnover amounted to Rs. 1,628.92 million, with the total market capitalisation standing at Rs. 7,666.00 billion. The market’s Price-to-Earnings (PE) Ratio was 10.95.
Foreign participation saw purchases totaling Rs. 48.38 million and sales amounting to Rs. 56.39 million, indicating a marginal net foreign outflow for the day.
Energy Sector Overview
Global petroleum product prices, as of September 16, 2026, showed Brent crude at USD 102.19 per barrel, WTI crude at USD 124.63 per barrel, and OPEC crude at USD 145.22 per barrel. These figures continue to influence local fuel pricing.
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
Electricity generation on September 16, 2026, totaled 54.36 GWh, with a peak demand of 2,888.20 MW. The generation mix highlighted hydro power as the largest contributor at 41.4%, followed by thermal coal at 21.8% and thermal oil at 20.4%. Wind (3.6%), solar (12.0%), and biomass (0.7%) accounted for the remainder.
The detailed daily economic indicators provide crucial insights for investors, businesses, and policymakers, reflecting the ongoing economic adjustments and performance across key sectors in Sri Lanka.
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