Colombo, Sri Lanka – 28 September 2026 – The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has released its “Daily Economic Indicators” report for 25 September 2026, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the nation’s economic health. The latest data provides critical insights into macroeconomic performance, monetary conditions, financial markets, and the energy sector, essential for businesses, investors, and policymakers navigating Sri Lanka’s economic landscape.
Macroeconomic Performance: Inflation and Growth Trends
The report highlights several key macroeconomic figures, painting a picture of stability and ongoing recovery:
- Real GDP Growth: For the second quarter of 2026 (2026Q2), the economy recorded a growth rate of 4.2%, indicating a steady trajectory.
- Inflation (Y-o-Y Change):
- National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) for August 2026 showed a year-on-year change of 8.1%.
- Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) for August 2026 registered a year-on-year change of 8.0%.
These figures suggest a continued moderation in inflationary pressures.
Monetary Policy and Market Liquidity
Key monetary policy rates remained consistent, influencing market dynamics:
- Policy Rate (OPR): Held at 9.35%.
- Statutory Reserve Ratio (SRR): Maintained at 2.00%.
- Weekly Average Weighted Prime Lending Rate (AWPR): Stood at 9.00%.
The money market on 25 September 2026 observed an overnight liquidity of Rs. 137.92 billion, up from Rs. 111.06 billion the previous day. Currency in Circulation (CIC) was reported at Rs. 1,646,615.96 million, with Reserve Money at Rs. 1,914,898.15 million.
Exchange Rate Movements
The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) showed varied performance against major international currencies on 25 September 2026:
- USD: TT Buying at Rs. 325.7406, TT Selling at Rs. 334.8094.
- GBP: TT Buying at Rs. 429.4367, TT Selling at Rs. 443.7005.
- EUR: TT Buying at Rs. 369.0844, TT Selling at Rs. 382.2212.
- JPY: TT Buying at Rs. 2.0496, TT Selling at Rs. 2.1229.
The indicative rate for the USD/LKR spot exchange rate was Rs. 330.35.
Government Securities Market
Yield rates for Treasury Bills experienced slight adjustments:
- 91-Day T-Bills: 9.13% (down from 9.20% on 23-Sep-26).
- 182-Day T-Bills: 9.37%.
- 364-Day T-Bills: 9.93%.
Colombo Stock Exchange Performance
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) demonstrated mixed performance on 25 September 2026:
- All Share Price Index (ASPI): Closed at 21,037.35.
- S&P SL20 Index: Closed at 5,940.72.
- Daily Turnover: Rs. 814.88 million.
- Market Capitalisation: Rs. 7,624.86 billion.
- PE Ratio: 10.89.
Foreign investor activity showed sales outpacing purchases, with foreign purchases at Rs. 13.72 million and foreign sales at Rs. 207.05 million.
Energy Sector Update
The report also provided an overview of the energy landscape:
- Electricity Generation (25 Sep 2026): Total energy generated was 56.78 GWh, with peak demand reaching 2,765.00 MW. The generation mix largely depended on Hydro (51.9%), Thermal Coal (17.9%), Thermal Oil (6.0%), Wind (6.0%), Solar (17.3%), and Biomass (0.9%).
- Global Petroleum Products (25 Sep 2026):
- Brent Crude Oil: USD 106.96 per barrel.
- WTI Crude Oil: USD 94.03 per barrel.
- OPEC Basket: USD 114.53 per barrel.
- Refined Petrol (Singapore Platts): USD 142.60 per barrel.
- Refined Diesel (Singapore Platts): USD 172.94 per barrel.
- Refined Kerosene (Singapore Platts): USD 169.04 per barrel.
- CPC Local Prices (LKR per Litre):
- Petrol (92 octane): Rs. 399.00
- Auto Diesel: Rs. 382.00
- Kerosene: Rs. 285.00
These daily indicators from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka offer crucial transparency into the nation’s economic mechanisms, supporting informed decision-making across various sectors as Sri Lanka continues its path towards sustainable growth and financial stability.
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