Colombo, 02 September 2026 – The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has released its “Daily Economic Indicators” report for 01 September 2026, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the nation’s financial and economic landscape. The data provides crucial insights into key macroeconomic trends, market performance, and the energy sector, painting a picture of Sri Lanka’s current economic standing.
Macroeconomic Overview: Inflation and Growth
According to the latest figures, Sri Lanka’s inflation trajectory shows a slight increase in the NCPI, while the CCPI indicates a cooling trend. The National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) change rose to 8.0% in August 2026, up from 7.2% in July 2026. Conversely, the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) Y-o-Y change eased to 8.75% in August 2026, a notable decrease from 10.95% recorded in July 2026.
The Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Growth for the first quarter of 2026 (2026 Q1) stood at 5.1%, indicating a steady, albeit moderate, expansion of the economy.
Monetary Policy and Money Market Dynamics
In the money market, the Weekly Average Weighted Prime Rate (AWPR) for 01 September 2026 was recorded at 9.35%, marking an increase from 9.10% on the preceding Monday (24-Aug-26). Yield rates for Treasury Bills continued their downward trajectory, reflecting potential shifts in investor sentiment and liquidity conditions:
- 91-Day T-Bills: 8.98% (down from 9.06% on 24-Aug-26)
- 182-Day T-Bills: 9.25% (down from 9.44% on 24-Aug-26)
- 364-Day T-Bills: 9.75% (down from 9.89% on 24-Aug-26)
Overnight liquidity in the money market increased to Rs. 138.76 billion on 01 September 2026, up from Rs. 132.33 billion on 31 August 2026. The Average Weighted Call Money Rate (AWCMR) was 8.91% and the Average Weighted Repo Rate (AWRR) was 8.85%.
Currency in Circulation also saw an uptick, reaching Rs. 1,673,361.36 million, while Reserve Money stood at Rs. 1,926,875.66 million as of 01 September 2026.
Foreign Exchange Market: LKR Performance
The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) showed varied performance against major international currencies on 01 September 2026. The indicative rate of the USD/LKR spot exchange rate was Rs. 327.90. Telegraphic Transfer (TT) buying and selling rates were as follows:
- USD: Buying Rs. 323.5301, Selling Rs. 332.5165
- GBP: Buying Rs. 437.0364, Selling Rs. 451.5106
- EUR: Buying Rs. 374.2755, Selling Rs. 387.4056
- JPY: Buying Rs. 2.0181, Selling Rs. 2.0907
Colombo Stock Exchange: Market Activity
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) witnessed a mixed day of trading. On 01 September 2026:
- The All Share Price Index (ASPI) closed at 21,318.31.
- The S&P SL20 Index finished at 5,986.45.
- Daily Turnover amounted to Rs. 2,321.71 million.
- Market Capitalization stood at Rs. 7,728.64 billion.
- The Price-to-Earnings (PE) Ratio was 11.19.
Foreign investor activity showed a significant imbalance, with foreign purchases at Rs. 34.09 million against foreign sales of Rs. 646.62 million, indicating net foreign outflow from the equity market.
Energy Sector Insights: Global & Local Fuel, Electricity
Global petroleum product prices saw slight movements. Brent crude oil was priced at USD 91.98 per barrel, while WTI crude oil was at USD 96.16 per barrel on 01 September 2026. Singapore Platts prices for refined products were: Petrol USD 119.00, Diesel USD 156.78, and Kerosene USD 155.70 per barrel.
Locally, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) prices remained stable: Petrol (92 octane) at LKR 399.00 per litre, Auto Diesel at LKR 382.00 per litre, and Kerosene at LKR 285.00 per litre.
Electricity generation on 01 September 2026 reached 58.37 GWh, a marginal increase from the previous day’s 57.24 GWh. Peak demand for electricity was 2,936.70 MW. The energy mix was dominated by Hydro (35.3%), followed by Thermal Oil (26.7%), Solar (21.2%), Thermal Coal (11.2%), Wind (5.1%), and Biomass (0.5%).
The daily indicators released by the CBSL serve as a vital resource for policymakers, businesses, and investors to gauge the economic health of Sri Lanka and make informed decisions.
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