Colombo, Sri Lanka – 18 September 2026 – The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has released its “Daily Economic Indicators” report for 17th September 2026, offering a comprehensive overview of the nation’s economic pulse. Published today by the CBSL Statistics Department, the report provides key data points across monetary, fiscal, and real sectors, essential for understanding Sri Lanka’s current economic trajectory.
Macroeconomic Performance and Inflation Trends
Sri Lanka’s economic growth showed a positive trend in the second quarter of 2026, with Real GDP Growth recorded at 4.2% for Q2 2026. This indicates a steady recovery and expansion of economic activity.
Inflation figures, crucial for assessing cost of living and purchasing power, present a mixed picture. The National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) Year-on-Year change saw an increase from 7.2% in July 2026 to 8.0% in August 2026. Meanwhile, the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) Year-on-Year change stood at 8.75%, reflecting persistent inflationary pressures within the economy.
Monetary Policy and Market Liquidity
The monetary policy framework continues to be anchored by key rates. The Statutory Reserve Ratio (SRR) remained at 2.00%, a tool used by the CBSL to manage liquidity in the banking system. The Average Weighted Prime Lending Rate (AWPR) was reported at 10.73%, influencing borrowing costs for businesses and individuals.
Money market liquidity saw a notable shift, with Overnight Liquidity decreasing to Rs. 107.84 billion on 17th September from Rs. 146.44 billion the previous day. This indicates a tightening in short-term money supply within the banking sector. The Average Weighted Call Money Rate (AWCMR) was 8.96%, and the Average Weighted Repo Rate (AWRR) was 8.90%.
Yield rates for Treasury Bills showed slight adjustments:
- 91-Day T-Bills: Decreased to 8.96% on 17th September from 9.18% on 16th September.
- 182-Day T-Bills: Data for 17th September was not available.
- 364-Day T-Bills: Decreased marginally to 9.80% on 17th September from 9.88% on 16th September.
Exchange Rates and Currency Movements
The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) showed stability against major international currencies. On 17th September 2026:
- The USD/LKR Indicative Spot Exchange Rate was 331.89.
- Commercial banks’ Telegraphic Transfer (TT) rates for the USD ranged from a buying rate of 327.9020 to a selling rate of 336.9212.
- The GBP was quoted at TT Buying 437.2731 and TT Selling 451.8644.
- The EUR recorded TT Buying 374.3296 and TT Selling 387.5182.
- The JPY stood at TT Buying 2.0934 and TT Selling 2.1680.
In terms of monetary aggregates, Currency in Circulation increased to Rs. 1,657,358.50 million on 17th September from Rs. 1,653,650.77 million the day prior. Reserve Money, however, saw a slight decrease to Rs. 1,917,965.45 million from Rs. 1,925,092.41 million.
Stock Market Performance
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) experienced a day of mixed activity on 17th September 2026:
- The All Share Price Index (ASPI) closed at 21,023.43.
- The S&P SL20 index stood at 5,924.96.
- Daily Turnover amounted to Rs. 1,334.38 million.
- Market Capitalisation was recorded at Rs. 7,623.60 billion.
- The Price-to-Earnings (PE) Ratio was 10.89.
Foreign investor participation showed a net outflow, with foreign purchases totalling Rs. 29.44 million against foreign sales of Rs. 242.52 million.
Energy Sector Update
Sri Lanka’s energy landscape witnessed minor fluctuations. Total electricity generation increased slightly to 54.81 GWh on 17th September from 54.36 GWh the previous day, while peak demand decreased to 2,843.90 MW from 2,888.20 MW.
The energy mix composition for electricity generation was dominated by Hydro at 37.5%, followed by Thermal Coal (22.2%) and Thermal Oil (18.7%). Solar (14.6%), Wind (6.3%), and Biomass (0.7%) contributed to the renewable energy share.
Global petroleum product prices on 17th September showed Brent crude at USD 104.10 per barrel, WTI at USD 101.34, and OPEC crude at USD 124.04. Locally, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) prices remained stable:
- 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 provide valuable insights into the multifaceted economic conditions influencing Sri Lanka, reflecting both areas of stability and ongoing challenges.
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