Colombo, Sri Lanka – 04 September 2026 – The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has released its daily economic indicators for 03 September 2026, offering a comprehensive overview of the nation’s key financial and economic metrics. The report provides critical insights into macroeconomic performance, money market activity, exchange rates, the Colombo Stock Exchange, and the energy sector, painting a picture of Sri Lanka’s economic trajectory.
Macroeconomic Performance: GDP Growth and Inflation Trends
According to the latest data, Sri Lanka’s Real GDP Growth for the first quarter of 2026 (2026Q1) stood at a robust 5.1%. This figure underscores a continued positive momentum in the country’s economic output.
Inflation figures indicate a moderate increase in August 2026. The National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) Year-on-Year change was recorded at 7.2% for July 2026, rising to 8.0% for August 2026. Similarly, the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) Year-on-Year change was 8.96% as of 02 September 2026, with the figure for 03 September not yet available.
The Policy Rate (Operating Policy Rate – OPR) remains at 8.75%, while the Statutory Reserve Ratio (SRR) is at 10.95%. The Weekly Average Weighted Prime Lending Rate (AWPR) was reported at 9.35%.
Money Market Dynamics and Treasury Bill Yields
The money market experienced a slight contraction in overnight liquidity. On 03 September 2026, Overnight Liquidity stood at Rs. 115.09 billion, down from Rs. 122.05 billion on 02 September 2026.
Yield rates for Treasury Bills on 03 September 2026 were as follows:
- 91-Day T-Bills: 9.26% (down from 9.27% on 02-Sep)
- 182-Day T-Bills: 9.79% (down from 9.81% on 02-Sep)
- 364-Day T-Bills: Not provided for 03-Sep (was 9.81% on 02-Sep)
Exchange Rate Movements
The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) showed varied movements against major international currencies on 03 September 2026. The indicative USD/LKR spot exchange rate was 328.59.
Telegraphic Transfer (TT) rates for major currencies were:
- USD: Buying Rs. 323.9277 / Selling Rs. 332.8715
- GBP: Buying Rs. 435.7616 / Selling Rs. 450.2330
- EUR: Buying Rs. 374.1558 / Selling Rs. 387.2861
- JPY: Buying Rs. 2.0441 / Selling Rs. 2.1166
Colombo Stock Exchange Performance
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) demonstrated positive activity on 03 September 2026. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) closed at 21,395.11, while the S&P SL20 Index finished at 5,995.25.
Key market statistics for the day include:
- Daily Turnover: Rs. 2,446.50 million
- Market Capitalisation: Rs. 7,735.28 billion
- PE Ratio: 11.42
Foreign investor sentiment remained net positive, with Foreign Purchases at Rs. 153.25 million against Foreign Sales of Rs. 84.89 million.
Energy Sector Overview
Electricity generation saw a slight dip, with Total Energy (GWh) generated on 03 September 2026 at 58.08, compared to 58.34 GWh on 02 September 2026. Peak demand also decreased marginally to 2,920.50 MW from 2,934.50 MW the previous day.
The energy mix continues to be dominated by Hydro (33.7%), Thermal Oil (26.2%), and Solar (21.0%).
Global petroleum product prices (USD per Barrel) on 03 September 2026 were:
- Brent Crude Oil: 91.95
- WTI Crude Oil: 98.29
- OPEC Crude Oil: 123.30
- Petrol (Singapore Platts): 166.13
- Diesel (Singapore Platts): 159.54
- Kerosene (Singapore Platts): 159.54
Local CPC retail prices (LKR per Litre) for 03 September 2026 remained:
- Petrol (92 octane): Rs. 399.00
- Auto Diesel: Rs. 382.00
- Kerosene: Rs. 285.00
Monetary Aggregates
Currency in Circulation on 03 September 2026 stood at Rs. 1,671,831.12 million, while Reserve Money was recorded at Rs. 1,931,996.85 million.
The daily economic indicators released by the CBSL provide stakeholders with essential data to understand and react to the evolving economic landscape of Sri Lanka.
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