Colombo, Sri Lanka – 25 September 2026 – The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has released its ‘Daily Economic Indicators’ report for 24 September 2026, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the nation’s economic health. The update provides crucial data points ranging from inflation figures and GDP growth to exchange rates, stock market performance, and energy sector statistics, painting a detailed picture for investors, policymakers, and the public.
Macroeconomic Snapshot: Inflation and Growth Trends
According to the latest figures, Sri Lanka’s economy recorded a Real GDP Growth of 4.2% for the second quarter of 2026 (2026Q2). This indicates a continued upward trajectory in economic activity. Inflation, as measured by the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) and the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI), showed slight variations but remained within closely monitored ranges. The NCPI Year-on-Year Change for August 2026 stood at 8.1%, while the CCPI Year-on-Year Change for August 2026 was recorded at 8.0%.
Key policy rates remained stable, with the Policy Rate (OPR) at 8.75% and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) at 10.76%. The Weekly Average Weighted Prime Rate (AWPR) was reported at 9.35% as of September 24, 2026, indicating the average lending rates in the market.
Money Market and Exchange Rate Dynamics
The money market saw overnight liquidity at Rs. 111.06 billion on September 24, a decrease from Rs. 148.87 billion on September 23. The Average Weighted Call Money Rate (AWCMR) was 8.99%, while the Average Weighted Repo Rate (AWRR) was 8.93%. The indicative rate of the USD/LKR Spot Exchange Rate was 329.02.
Foreign exchange rates on September 24, 2026, for Telegraphic Transfers (TT) were as follows:
- USD: Buying at Rs. 325.2291, Selling at Rs. 334.2804
- GBP: Buying at Rs. 429.6652, Selling at Rs. 443.9461
- EUR: Buying at Rs. 368.8320, Selling at Rs. 381.8347
- JPY: Buying at Rs. 2.0525, Selling at Rs. 2.1265
Currency in Circulation stood at Rs. 1,652,123.49 million, with Reserve Money at Rs. 1,925,837.18 million on September 24.
Colombo Stock Exchange Performance
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) experienced mixed activity on September 24, 2026. The All-Share Price Index (ASPI) closed at 21,066.89, while the S&P SL20 Index recorded 5,942.78. The daily turnover amounted to Rs. 1,309.17 million, and the market capitalisation reached Rs. 7,632.86 billion. The Price-to-Earnings (PE) Ratio was 10.90.
Foreign investor activity showed a net outflow, with foreign purchases totalling Rs. 43.66 million against foreign sales of Rs. 206.05 million.
Energy Sector Update: Generation and Fuel Prices
Sri Lanka’s electricity generation on September 24, 2026, saw total energy at 54.56 GWh, with a peak demand of 2,747.50 MW. The energy mix was dominated by Hydro (54.0%), followed by Thermal Coal (22.1%), Thermal Oil (8.0%), Wind (7.7%), Solar (7.6%), and Biomass (0.7%).
Global petroleum product prices on September 24, 2026, showed crude oil refined at Singapore Platts at USD 107.69 per barrel. Brent crude was priced at USD 105.84, WTI at USD 93.15, and OPEC crude at USD 107.69 per barrel. Local CPC prices for petroleum products remained unchanged:
- Petrol (92 octane): Rs. 399.00 per litre
- Auto Diesel: Rs. 382.00 per litre
- Kerosene: Rs. 285.00 per litre
Government Securities Yields
Yield rates for Treasury Bills saw slight adjustments. On September 24, 2026, the yields were 9.40% for 91-Day T-Bills, 9.35% for 182-Day T-Bills, and 9.00% for 364-Day T-Bills. The 91-Day T-Bill yield had increased from 9.20% on September 23 to 9.40% on September 24.
This daily update from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka continues to be a vital resource for understanding the ongoing economic landscape of the nation, providing transparency and crucial data for informed decision-making across all sectors.
Source: Read original document
