Colombo, Sri Lanka – 01 October 2026 – The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) released its Daily Economic Indicators for 30 September 2026, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the nation’s economic health as the third quarter concluded. The data points to a continued easing of inflationary pressures, stable monetary policy rates, and a resilient performance across financial markets and the energy sector.
Key Economic Performance Indicators
According to the latest figures, Sri Lanka’s economic recovery remains on track, with inflation demonstrating a downward trend while the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) registered growth in the previous quarter.
- Real GDP Growth: The second quarter of 2026 saw Real GDP growth at 4.2%, signalling sustained momentum in economic activity.
- National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) Y-o-Y Change: Inflation, as measured by the NCPI, continued its decelerating path, falling to 8.0% year-on-year in September 2026, down from 8.1% in August 2026. This indicates a positive development in price stability.
Monetary Policy and Market Rates
The CBSL maintained its policy rates, reflecting a steady stance on monetary management, while Treasury Bill yields presented a mixed picture across different maturities.
- Policy Rate (OPR): The Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) remained at 9.25%, and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) at 9.24% as of 30 September 2026, underscoring the Central Bank’s commitment to its current monetary policy framework.
- Statutory Reserve Ratio (SRR): The SRR stood at 9.41% on 30 September 2026.
- Weekly Average Prime Lending Rate (AWPR): The Weekly AWPR remained stable at 9.95%.
- Treasury Bill Yields (30-Sep-26): Yields for government securities saw varied movements across primary and secondary markets:
- 91-Day T-Bills: Primary Market 9.95%, Secondary Market 9.95%
- 182-Day T-Bills: Primary Market 9.41%, Secondary Market 9.42%
- 364-Day T-Bills: Primary Market 9.25%, Secondary Market 9.24%
- Overnight Liquidity: The money market recorded an overnight liquidity of Rs. 158.66 billion as of 30 September 2026, indicating healthy interbank liquidity conditions. The Average Weighted Call Money Rate (AWCMR) was 8.75%, while the Average Weighted Repo Rate (AWRR) was 10.94%.
Financial Market Performance
Both the foreign exchange and stock markets demonstrated dynamic activity on the last day of September.
Exchange Rates
The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) showed moderate fluctuations against major international currencies:
- USD: TT Buying 326.2849, TT Selling 335.3368. The indicative spot rate for USD/LKR was 330.83.
- GBP: TT Buying 430.3643, TT Selling 444.7972.
- EUR: TT Buying 368.5791, TT Selling 381.5959.
- JPY: TT Buying 2.0765, TT Selling 2.1504.
Share Market
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) ended the day with positive sentiment, albeit with net foreign outflows.
- ASPI: The All-Share Price Index (ASPI) closed at 20,812.93.
- S&P SL20: The S&P SL20 Index stood at 5,894.16.
- Daily Turnover: Total daily turnover reached Rs. 1,553.32 million.
- Market Capitalisation: The market capitalisation was recorded at Rs. 7,548.18 billion.
- P/E Ratio: The Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio was 10.78.
- Foreign Activity: Foreign purchases amounted to Rs. 95.45 million, while foreign sales were Rs. 162.85 million, resulting in a net foreign outflow for the day.
Energy Sector Snapshot
The energy sector reported stable electricity generation and demand figures, alongside an update on global and local fuel prices.
- Electricity Generation: Total electricity generation for 30 September 2026 was 61.50 GWh, with a peak demand of 3,045.00 MW. The generation mix comprised Thermal Coal (25.8%), Thermal Oil (5.4%), Hydro (44.0%), Wind (3.2%), Solar (20.8%), and Biomass (0.8%).
- Global Petroleum Products (USD per Barrel):
- Brent Crude: 90.34
- WTI Crude: 109.53
- OPEC Basket: 140.65
- Singapore Platts (Refined): Petrol 171.80, Diesel 169.52, Kerosene 98.11
- CPC Local Prices (LKR per Litre):
- Petrol (92 octane): 399.00
- Auto Diesel: 382.00
- Kerosene: 285.00
Outlook
The Daily Economic Indicators for 30 September 2026 paint a picture of an economy making steady progress. The continued deceleration of inflation, coupled with a positive GDP growth rate and stable policy environment, provides a cautiously optimistic outlook for Sri Lanka’s economic trajectory heading into the final quarter of 2026.
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