Colombo, Sri Lanka – 22 September 2026 – The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has published its “Daily Economic Indicators” report for 21 September 2026, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the nation’s key economic metrics. The report, a crucial resource for policymakers, investors, and the general public, highlights recent movements in monetary policy, market performance, and the energy sector, reinforcing the dynamic nature of Sri Lanka’s economic landscape.
The latest update provides vital data points on inflation, exchange rates, interest rates, stock market activity, and energy consumption, reflecting the ongoing efforts to maintain economic stability and foster growth.
Monetary Policy and Inflation Trends
The CBSL’s report underscores its continued commitment to price stability. For August 2026, the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) Year-on-Year change stood at 8.1%, while the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) Year-on-Year change recorded 8.0%. These figures provide critical insights into the nation’s inflationary pressures.
Key policy rates remain steady, with the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) at 8.75% and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) at 10.76%. The Statutory Reserve Ratio (SRR) for licensed commercial banks is maintained at 2.00%. The Weekly Average Weighted Prime Lending Rate (AWPR) was reported at 9.35% as of September 21, 2026, indicating the cost of lending in the market.
In the money market, overnight liquidity registered Rs. 145.72 billion on September 21, 2026. Treasury Bill yield rates for September 21, 2026, were as follows: 91-Day Bills at 8.96%, 182-Day Bills at 8.91%, and 364-Day Bills at 9.35%.
Exchange Rate Performance
The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) showed moderate fluctuations against major international currencies on September 21, 2026. The Telegraphic Transfer (TT) buying and selling rates were:
- USD: Buying Rs. 326.6843, Selling Rs. 335.7000
- GBP: Buying Rs. 436.0308, Selling Rs. 450.5555
- EUR: Buying Rs. 373.5749, Selling Rs. 386.7313
- JPY: Buying Rs. 2.0762, Selling Rs. 2.1487
Colombo Stock Exchange Highlights
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) demonstrated positive activity on September 21, 2026. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) closed at 20,979.18, while the S&P SL20 Index recorded 5,909.45. The daily turnover reached Rs. 750.35 million, with the total market capitalization standing at Rs. 7,613.92 billion. The Price-to-Earnings (PE) Ratio was 10.87.
Foreign investor participation saw purchases amounting to Rs. 38.67 million and sales of Rs. 19.56 million, indicating a net foreign inflow for the day.
Energy Sector Overview
Sri Lanka’s energy consumption and generation figures for September 21, 2026, revealed a total electricity generation of 54.40 GWh, with a peak demand of 2,773.40 MW. The generation mix continues to rely heavily on hydro power, contributing 52.0% of the total, followed by Thermal Coal (20.4%), Solar (13.8%), Thermal Oil (8.9%), Wind (4.1%), and Biomass (0.7%).
Global petroleum product prices on September 21, 2026, were as follows (USD per Barrel):
- Brent Crude: 101.10
- WTI Crude: 96.19
- OPEC Basket: 116.23
- Singapore Platts (Petrol): 139.10
- Singapore Platts (Diesel): 175.73
- Singapore Platts (Kerosene): 168.60
Domestically, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) local prices per litre remained unchanged: Petrol (92 octane) at LKR 399.00, Auto Diesel at LKR 382.00, and Kerosene at LKR 285.00.
The Real GDP Growth for Q2 2026 was recorded at 4.2%, signaling a steady pace of economic recovery and expansion.
These daily indicators provide stakeholders with crucial data points to assess Sri Lanka’s current economic health and future trajectory. The CBSL continues to monitor these metrics closely to inform its policy decisions and guide the nation towards sustained economic stability.
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