The Manufacturing Sector PMI was 57.7 in September which is an increase of 4.2 index points from 53.5 in August 2016. The increase in September was fuelled by the improvements observed in New Orders and Production sub-indices. The New Orders and Production sub-indices of manufacturing sector PMI increased compared to the previous month while the Stock of Purchases index remained unchanged. However, the Employment and Suppliers’ Delivery time sub-indices decreased compared to the previous month. Overall data points to an expansion where all the sub-indices apart from Suppliers’ Delivery Time index which is neutral, are above the 50.0 threshold. The expectations for activities indicate an improvement for the next three months.

There has been widespread coverage in the press and electronic media regarding a report related to the examination of Perpetual Treasuries Ltd conducted by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka as the regulator of Primary Dealers operating in the Government securities market.

The release of this report into the public domain has not been authorized. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s internal processes within the Department of Supervision of Non-Bank Financial Institutions have not been completed and the final report has not as yet been submitted to the Monetary Board for its consideration. Arising from this unauthorized disclosure, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka is strengthening its internal control mechanisms and a complaint has also been made to law enforcement authorities to inquire into the unauthorized release of this report.