Following 11 consecutive months of deflation, headline inflation, as measured by the year-on-year (Y-o-Y) change in the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI, 2021=100) returned to the positive territory in August 2025, recording 1.2%, compared to the deflation of 0.3% in July 2025.
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CCPI based inflation turns positive in August 2025, marking the end of the deflationary phase
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Release of ‘Economic and Social Statistics of Sri Lanka – 2025’
‘Economic and Social Statistics of Sri Lanka – 2025’, an annual release of socio-economic statistics of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, is now available for public access. This is an online data release containing long series of data in an easily accessible and downloadable format, catering to the data requirements of various stakeholders.
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Sri Lanka PMI - Construction further increased in July 2025
The Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index for Construction (PMI – Construction), as reflected by the Total Activity Index, increased to 60.0 in July 2025, indicating a continuous expansion in construction activities. Many firms reported a steady increase in the availability of construction projects, signalling the positive growth momentum in the industry.
Most of the respondents highlighted a growth in road development and private sector projects in July, which contributed to a further increase in the New Orders Index during the month. Meanwhile, the Employment Index remained at a neutral level in July, reflecting stable employment conditions during the month. The Quantity of Purchases Index continued to expand, while the Suppliers’ Delivery Time Index remained extended during the month.
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External Sector Performance – July 2025
The performance of the external sector further strengthened in July 2025, with the current account recording consecutive monthly surpluses, thus far in 2025.
Total exports, including merchandise goods and services, improved to US dollars 12.0 billion during the seven months ending July 2025, recording a y-o-y growth of 6.7 per cent. In July 2025, merchandise goods exports recorded the highest-ever monthly earnings, amounting to US dollars 1.3 billion. The merchandise trade deficit narrowed in July 2025 compared to July 2024, as the growth in exports outpaced that of imports.
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The Central Bank of Sri Lanka Issues Rs. 2000 Circulated Commemorative Currency Note to Mark its 75th Anniversary
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka issued a Rs. 2000 circulated commemorative currency note today to mark its 75th anniversary. The note is in line with the anniversary theme, “Stability for Prosperity,” reflecting the Central Bank’s enduring commitment to fostering economic stability as the foundation for national development. This is the 5th commemorative currency note issued by CBSL.
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Land Valuation Indicator – First Half of 2025
Land Valuation Indicator (LVI) compiled for Colombo District increased by 11.4 per cent during the first half of 2025, compared to the same period of 2024. All sub indicators of LVI, namely, Residential, Commercial and Industrial LVIs contributed to this increase recording considerable annual increases of 14.4 per cent, 11.5 per cent and 8.4 per cent, respectively. Meanwhile, LVI and its sub indicators increased at a higher pace on a semi-annual basis as well during first half of 2025 compared to the values recorded in second half of 2024. In this regard also, the Residential LVI recorded the highest increase, followed by Commercial LVI.
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SL Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) – July 2025
Purchasing Managers’ Indices indicate improvements in both Manufacturing and Services activities in July 2025.
Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index for Manufacturing (PMI – Manufacturing) increased at a higher rate to 62.2 in July 2025, indicating an expansion in manufacturing activities. All sub-indices contributed positively to this improvement.
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The Central Bank of Sri Lanka releases the Monetary Policy Report – August 2025
The Central Bank released its second Monetary Policy Report for 2025 in keeping with the requirements of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act, No. 16 of 2023. The biannual Monetary Policy Report provides forward-looking insights about the economy, particularly inflation and economic growth outlook, and risks to projections. Through this Report, the Central Bank strives to improve transparency and accountability by communicating the rationale behind its recent monetary policy decisions.
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Administrative Penalties imposed by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) on Reporting Institutions from January to June 2025
By virtue of the powers vested under Section 19 (1) read together with section 19 (2) of the Financial Transactions Reporting Act, No. 6 of 2006 (FTRA), financial penalties are imposed on Institutions for non-compliance with the provisions of the FTRA. The penalty may be prescribed by taking into consideration the nature and gravity of relevant non-compliances of the Institutions.
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The Central Bank of Sri Lanka publishes the ‘Market Operations Report - June 2025’
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka released its third Market Operations Report (MOR) on 31 July 2025. The aim of the MOR is to enhance awareness and knowledge among the stakeholders on monetary operations and foreign exchange operations carried out by the Central Bank in implementing monetary policy under the Flexible Inflation Target (FIT), supported by the flexible exchange rate regime.