Purchasing Managers’ Indices indicate expansions in both Manufacturing and Services activities in November 2025.
Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index for Manufacturing (PMI – Manufacturing) recorded an index value of 55.5 in November 2025. This indicates an expansion in manufacturing activities on a month-on-month basis, with favourable contributions from all the sub-indices.
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) conducted the International Research Symposium - 2025 during 08-10 December 2025 under the theme of “Stability for Prosperity” at the CBSL John Exter International Conference Hall, to mark the 75th Anniversary of the CBSL. The symposium, organised by the Economic Research Department of the CBSL, comprised the following three research events that reflected the CBSL’s commitment to enhancing economic research and evidence-based policymaking.
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), in view of the adverse effects of the recent cyclonic and flood disasters, having considered the proposals of the Sri Lanka Banks’ Association (Guarantee) Ltd. (SLBA) and the need to grant effective relief to those affected without unduly compromising financial system stability, issued the Circular No. 04 of 2025 dated 05.12.2025 to all licensed banks to provide the relief measures to the individuals and businesses whose income or business has been directly affected (hereinafter referred to as borrowers).
The Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI, 2021=100) based headline inflation (year-on-year, Y-o-Y) remained unchanged at 2.1% in November 2025, compared with the previous month.
Food inflation (Y-o-Y) decelerated to 3.0% in November 2025 from 3.5% recorded in October 2025, whereas Non-Food inflation (Y-o-Y) accelerated to 1.7% in November 2025 from 1.4% recorded in October 2025.
Sri Lanka’s external sector recorded a current account deficit in October 2025 for the second consecutive month. However, the cumulative current account surplus for the first ten months of 2025 is estimated at around US dollars 1.7 billion.
The merchandise trade deficit widened year-on-year in October 2025, mainly due to a notable increase in imports.
The Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index for Construction (PMI – Construction), as reflected by the Total Activity Index, recorded a value of 64.3 in October 2025. This high reading follows last month's peak, indicating a sustained positive outlook for construction activities.
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 the outlook on both domestic and global fronts. The Board is of the view that the current monetary policy stance will support steering inflation towards the target of 5%.
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, ascertained and determined that “SGO/sgomine.com” has engaged, conducted and promoted a prohibited scheme.
Purchasing Managers’ Indices indicate expansions in both Manufacturing and Services activities in October 2025.
Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index for Manufacturing (PMI – Manufacturing) recorded a value of 61.0 in October 2025, reflecting an increase in manufacturing activities. This increase was broad-based, with all sub-indices contributing positively to this expansion.
Having recognized the need for strengthening the regulation and supervision of Finance Companies (FCs), investigation and prosecution of unauthorized finance business, resolution and winding up of non-viable FCs, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has proposed amendments to FBA.
