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External Sector Performance - February 2026

The external current account recorded a surplus in February 2026, extending the trend observed since November 2025, and recorded a cumulative surplus of US$ 487 million during January–February 2026.

CCPI based headline inflation accelerated in March 2026

The Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI, 2021=100)1 based headline inflation (year-on-year, Y-o-Y) accelerated in March 2026. Accordingly, headline inflation (Y-o-Y) was recorded at 2.2% in March 2026 compared to 1.6% in February 2026.

Sri Lanka PMI - Construction expanded in February 2026

The Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index for Construction (PMI – Construction), as reflected by the Total Activity Index, recorded a value of 70.3 in February 2026. This indicates continued expansion in construction activities, albeit at a slower pace compared to the significantly higher level observed in the previous month. Most firms reported favourable industry conditions in February, underpinned by steady inflows of construction projects and favourable weather.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka keeps the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) unchanged

The Monetary Policy Board, at its meeting held yesterday, decided to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at the current level of 7.75%. The Board arrived at this decision after carefully considering evolving developments and outlook on the domestic and global fronts, with particular attention to uncertainties arising from the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Financial Sector Performance in 2025

Domestic macrofinancial conditions strengthened further in 2025, supporting continued credit expansion, although external vulnerabilities remained a concern. Credit growth accelerated markedly, with total credit extended by banks and Finance Companies (FCs) rising by end 2025. The financial sector’s exposure shifted further toward the private sector, driven by strong private sector credit growth, while exposure to the public sector contracted reflecting ongoing fiscal consolidation. Despite the decline, government related exposure remains sizeable. Financial intermediation improved, as reflected by the continued rise in the banking sector’s credit to deposits ratio.

SL Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) – February 2026

Purchasing Managers’ Indices indicate expansions in both Manufacturing and Services activities in February 2026.

Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index for Manufacturing (PMI – Manufacturing) recorded an index value of 56.8 in February 2026, indicating a continued expansion in manufacturing activities. All sub-indices contributed positively to this expansion.

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