The Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI, 2021=100) based headline inflation (year-on-year, Y-o-Y) accelerated in April 2026 reflecting the spillovers from the ongoing war in the Middle East, particularly the significant upward adjustments in domestic energy prices. Accordingly, headline inflation (Y-o-Y) was recorded at 5.4% in April 2026 compared to 2.2% in March 2026.

The Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index for Construction (PMI – Construction), as reflected by the Total Activity Index, recorded a value of 57.1 in March 2026, indicating continued expansion in construction activities, albeit at a slower pace than the previous month. Many respondents reported a challenging operating environment, mainly due to limited availability of fuel and raw materials, rising costs, and logistical bottlenecks stemming from the conflict in the Middle East.