COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – 21 September 2026 – The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has released its comprehensive Daily Economic Indicators for 18 September 2026, offering a vital snapshot of the nation’s financial and economic landscape. This crucial data provides stakeholders, investors, and the public with insights into key macroeconomic variables, market performance, and energy sector trends.
Macroeconomic Performance: Growth and Inflation Trends
The latest indicators reveal a nuanced picture of Sri Lanka’s economic growth and inflation figures:
- Real GDP Growth: The Sri Lankan economy expanded by 4.2% during the second quarter of 2026 (2026 Q2), signaling continued recovery.
- NCPI Y-o-Y Change: The National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) recorded a year-on-year change of 8.0% for August 2026. This indicates a slight increase in country-wide inflation from the 7.2% reported in July 2026.
- CCPI Y-o-Y Change: The Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) showed a year-on-year change of 7.2% for July 2026, reflecting the urban inflation scenario.
Monetary Policy and Money Market Dynamics
The CBSL’s monetary policy framework continues to guide market liquidity and interest rates:
- Policy Rate (OPR): The Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) remain at 8.75%.
- Statutory Reserve Ratio (SRR): The SRR for Licensed Commercial Banks stands at 10.76%.
- Weekly AWPR: The Average Weighted Prime Lending Rate (AWPR) for the week ending 18 September 2026 was reported at 9.35%.
Money Market Developments
Overnight liquidity in the money market showed an increase, while Treasury Bill yields saw minor adjustments:
- Overnight Liquidity: Increased to Rs. 124.79 billion on 18 September from Rs. 107.84 billion on 17 September.
- Average Weighted Rates: The Average Weighted Call Money Rate (AWCMR) was 8.96%, and the Average Weighted Repo Rate (AWRR) was 8.91% for 18 September.
Yield rates of Treasury Bills (per cent) on 18 September 2026:
- 91 Day T-Bills: 9.00% (down from 9.18% on 16-Sep).
- 182 Day T-Bills: 9.36% (unchanged from 16-Sep).
- 364 Day T-Bills: 9.70% (down from 9.88% on 16-Sep).
Currency in Circulation and Reserve Money
Key monetary aggregates as of 18 September 2026 were:
- Currency in Circulation: Rs. 1,657,358.67 million.
- Reserve Money: Rs. 1,920,343.32 million.
Exchange Rate Movements
The indicative rate of the USD/LKR spot exchange rate on 18 September 2026 was Rs. 332.13. Telegraphic Transfer (TT) rates for major currencies were:
- USD: Buying at Rs. 327.1027, Selling at Rs. 336.1284.
- GBP: Buying at Rs. 435.9796, Selling at Rs. 450.3662.
- EUR: Buying at Rs. 374.1560, Selling at Rs. 387.3600.
- JPY: Buying at Rs. 2.0850, Selling at Rs. 2.1572.
Colombo Stock Exchange Performance
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) recorded the following on 18 September 2026:
- All Share Price Index (ASPI): Closed at 21,056.26.
- S&P SL20 Index: Concluded at 5,928.89.
- Daily Turnover: Totalled Rs. 1,335.68 million.
- Market Capitalisation: Stood at Rs. 7,642.25 billion.
- PE Ratio: Registered at 10.91.
Foreign investor activity on 18 September showed:
- Foreign Purchases: Rs. 21.38 million.
- Foreign Sales: Rs. 27.29 million.
Energy Sector Update: Global Prices and Local Consumption
Global and local energy prices continue to be a critical determinant for the Sri Lankan economy:
- Global Petroleum Products (USD per Barrel, 18-Sep-26):
- Brent Crude: $101.70
- WTI Crude: $98.15
- OPEC Basket: $119.20
- Petrol (Singapore Platts): $139.00
- Diesel (Singapore Platts): $183.43
- Kerosene (Singapore Platts): $176.94
- CPC Local Prices (LKR per Litre):
- Petrol (92 Octane): Rs. 399.00
- Auto Diesel: Rs. 382.00
- Kerosene: Rs. 285.00
Electricity Generation
Electricity generation data for 18 September 2026 indicates continued reliance on a diversified energy mix:
- Total Energy Generated: 55.98 GWh.
- Peak Demand: Reached 2,826.50 MW.
- The energy generation mix comprised 34.7% Hydro, 21.9% Thermal Coal, 18.1% Thermal Oil, 18.6% Solar, 6.0% Wind, and 0.7% Biomass.
The Daily Economic Indicators serve as an essential resource for policymakers, businesses, and the public to monitor and understand the dynamic economic environment of Sri Lanka. DailyFC remains committed to providing timely and insightful analysis on these critical statistics, helping our readers navigate the economic landscape.
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