The merchandise trade deficit widened in August 2023 compared to a year ago led by higher decline in export earnings than the decline in import expenditure. However, both export earnings and import expenditure increased compared to July 2023.
Both workers’ remittances and earnings from tourism recorded notable improvements in August 2023 compared to the previous year.
In August 2023, foreign investment in the government securities market recorded a net outflow, while foreign investment to the Colombo Stock Exchange recorded a net foreign inflow in August 2023.
Gross Official Reserves were estimated at US dollars 3.6 billion by end August 2023.
The Sri Lanka rupee remained broadly stable against the US dollar in August 2023.
Published Date:
Monday, October 2, 2023