Central Bank of Sri Lanka

News

Clarification on the Auditors to Audit the Accounts of Licensed Banks in Sri Lanka

Following the disclosure of an internal fraud at National Development Bank PLC (NDB), the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) requested M/s Ernst & Young, Sri Lanka (E&Y) not to assign any audit engagements of Licensed Banks to the Engagement Partner and the Quality Assurance Partner involved in the audit of NDB’s financial statements.

CCPI-based headline inflation accelerated in October 2026

The Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI, 2021=100) based headline inflation (year-on-year, Y-o-Y) increased to 8.3% in October 2026 from 8.0% in September 2026. Food inflation (Y-o-Y) marginally increased to 8.8% in October 2026 from 8.7% in September 2026, and non-food inflation (Y-o-Y) increased to 8.0% from 7.7% over the same period.

External Sector Performance - September 2026

The external current account recorded a deficit of US$ 128 million in September 2026, following the surplus recorded in August 2026. However, the deficit was lower than in September 2025, as the lower trade deficit and higher inflows of workers’ remittances outweighed the higher primary income deficit and the lower surplus in the services account. The current account recorded a cumulative deficit of US$ 420 million during January–September 2026.

Sri Lanka PMI - Construction expanded in September 2026

The Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index for Construction (PMI – Construction), as reflected by the Total Activity Index, recorded 57.8 in September. This indicates continued growth in construction activities, supported by a sustained flow of new construction projects. However, the shortage of bitumen remained a major constraint, delaying several road construction projects.

Notice to General Public on Prohibited Pyramid Schemes - Max App Media Ltd.

In terms of Section 83 (C) of the Banking Act, No. 30 of 1988, as amended, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has conducted an investigation and ascertained and determined that “Max App Media Ltd. together with its affiliated Max LK (Pvt) Ltd., Max Media Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.” had engaged, conducted and promoted a prohibited scheme.