Colombo, Sri Lanka – 29 September 2026 – The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has released its “Daily Economic Indicators” for 28th September 2026, offering a crucial snapshot of the nation’s economic health. The report, a vital resource for investors, policymakers, and the public, details key metrics ranging from GDP growth and inflation to exchange rates, capital market performance, and energy sector dynamics. This latest update provides fresh insights into Sri Lanka’s economic trajectory as the country navigates global and domestic economic currents.
National Economic Performance: Growth and Inflation
Sri Lanka’s economic recovery continues to show momentum, with the latest figures indicating a Real GDP Growth of 4.2% for the second quarter of 2026. This growth underscores the resilience and ongoing efforts to bolster economic activity. On the inflation front, the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) recorded an 8.1% Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) change in August 2026, while the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) stood at 8.0% Y-o-Y for the same period. These figures suggest a continued moderation in inflationary pressures compared to previous periods, a positive sign for consumer purchasing power.
Monetary Policy and Money Market Dynamics
The CBSL’s monetary policy stance remains a focal point for the financial sector. As of 28th September 2026, the Policy Rate (OPR) was maintained at 8.75%, with the Statutory Reserve Ratio (SRR) at 10.94%. The Weekly Average Weighted Prime Lending Rate (AWPR) was reported at 9.02%, reflecting the cost of borrowing in the market.
In the money market, overnight liquidity increased to Rs. 151.12 billion on 28th September, up from Rs. 137.92 billion on 25th September. Currency in Circulation saw a slight decrease to Rs. 1,636,835.96 million, while Reserve Money also dipped to Rs. 1,902,424.53 million, indicating the Central Bank’s ongoing management of monetary aggregates.
Yield rates for Treasury Bills in the primary market on 28th September 2026 were recorded as follows:
- 91-Day T-Bills: 9.35%
- 182-Day T-Bills: 9.00%
- 364-Day T-Bills: 8.65%
Foreign Exchange Market Trends
The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) showed varied movements against major international currencies. The indicative USD/LKR spot exchange rate was 330.26 Rs. per unit on 28th September 2026. Commercial bank Telegraphic Transfer (TT) buying and selling rates were:
- USD: Rs. 326.0044 (buying) / Rs. 335.0840 (selling)
- GBP: Rs. 430.5916 (buying) / Rs. 445.0063 (selling)
- EUR: Rs. 369.9696 (buying) / Rs. 382.9978 (selling)
- JPY: Rs. 2.0604 (buying) / Rs. 2.1339 (selling)
Colombo Stock Exchange Performance
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) witnessed a mixed day of trading. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) closed at 20,943.79 points, while the S&P SL20 Index stood at 5,920.72 points. Daily turnover reached Rs. 595.97 million, contributing to a total market capitalisation of Rs. 7,587.99 billion. The Price-to-Earnings (PE) Ratio was 10.84.
Foreign investor activity showed a net inflow for the day, with foreign purchases amounting to Rs. 10.87 million against foreign sales of Rs. 2.97 million.
Energy Sector: Global Prices and Local Supply
Global petroleum product prices on 28th September 2026 continued to influence local energy costs. Brent crude oil was priced at USD 106.75 per barrel, WTI at USD 93.66 per barrel, and OPEC crude at USD 112.78 per barrel. Refined product prices (Singapore Platts) were USD 144.10 for Petrol, USD 176.12 for Diesel, and USD 171.73 for Kerosene per barrel.
Locally, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) prices remained stable: Petrol (92 octane) at Rs. 399.00 per litre, Auto Diesel at Rs. 382.00 per litre, and Kerosene at Rs. 285.00 per litre.
Electricity generation on 28th September 2026 recorded a total energy output of 59.57 GWh, with peak demand reaching 3,020.80 MW. The generation mix was dominated by Hydro at 48.0%, followed by Solar (21.6%), Thermal Oil (18.6%), Thermal Coal (7.7%), Wind (3.5%), and Biomass (0.6%). This highlights a continued reliance on hydropower complemented by a growing contribution from renewable sources.
The detailed CBSL report offers a comprehensive view of the indicators driving Sri Lanka’s economy, providing essential data for informed decision-making across various sectors.
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