The Sri Lankan rupee was trading at 309.75/85 against the US dollar in the spot market on Friday, showing a slight decline from the previous day’s rates of 309.45/60, according to market dealers. The currency opened at 309.30/60 before experiencing a downward trend.
Despite last year’s record current account surpluses and improvements in the budget, the rupee has depreciated from 293.25/75 against the US dollar, challenging the typical economic explanations for such currency shifts.
In the bond market, yields continued their recovery for a second consecutive day. A bond maturing on February 15, 2028, was quoted at 9.00/05 percent, down from 9.00/10 percent. Similarly, a bond maturing on December 15, 2028, was quoted at 9.20/25 percent. The yield on a bond maturing on October 15, 2029, decreased to 9.70/75 percent from a previous 9.70/78 percent. A bond maturing on July 1, 2030, was quoted at 9.80/82 percent, down from 9.80/85 percent. The yield on a bond maturing on March 15, 2031, was reported at 9.95/10.05 percent. Additionally, a bond maturing on December 15, 2032, was quoted at 10.32/40 percent, while a bond maturing on November 1, 2033, was quoted at 10.45/55 percent.
The telegraphic transfer rates for the US dollar stood at 306.0000 for buying and 313.0000 for selling. The British pound was at 411.8307 for buying and 423.1925 for selling, while the euro was at 357.7531 for buying and 369.1163 for selling.
On the Colombo Stock Exchange, indices showed an upward trend. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) rose by 0.81 percent, or 182.68 points, to reach 22,806. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 index increased by 0.52 percent, or 32.02 points, to close at 6,189.
(Colombo/Jan2/2026)
