The external sector remained resilient with increased inflows from workers' remittances and tourist earnings despite an expansion in the trade deficit In July 2024.

Merchandise trade deficit widened in July 2024 (y-o-y), recording the highest monthly trade deficit thus far in 2024.

Land Valuation Indicator (LVI) for Colombo District increased by 6.9 per cent on a year-on-year basis during the first half of 2024. All sub indicators of LVI, namely, Residential, Commercial and Industrial LVIs contributed to this increase recording annual increases of 8.5 per cent, 8.5 per cent and 3.7 per cent, respectively. On a semi-annual basis, LVI and its sub indicators increased at a higher rate during first half of 2024 compared to the values recorded in second half of 2023. Further, it was observed that Industrial LVI increased at a slower pace compared to Commercial and Residential LVIs.