COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – 19 August 2026 – The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has released its daily economic indicators for 18th August 2026, offering a crucial snapshot of the nation’s financial health. The comprehensive report, published today, provides vital insights into monetary policy, inflation trends, exchange rates, capital markets, and the energy sector, painting a detailed picture for investors, businesses, and the public.
Monetary Policy and Inflation Trends
According to the latest data, Sri Lanka’s economic performance continues to show dynamism. The Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Growth for Q1 2026 stood at a robust 5.1%. Inflation, as measured by the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) Year-on-Year change, recorded 6.5% in June 2026 and an increase to 7.3% in July 2026. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) maintained its benchmark Policy Rates, with the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) at 8.75% and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) at 10.95%. The Statutory Reserve Ratio (SRR) was set at 9.40%, and the Weekly Average Weighted Prime Lending Rate (AWPR) was 9.40% as of 18th August 2026.
Overnight liquidity in the money market stood at Rs. 142.85 billion on 18th August 2026, a decrease from Rs. 161.35 billion reported on 17th August 2026. Currency in Circulation reached Rs. 1,656,770.41 million, while Reserve Money was Rs. 1,902,473.88 million on the same day.
Exchange Rate Movements
The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) showed movements against major international currencies. The indicative rate for the USD/LKR spot exchange rate was Rs. 332.29. Commercial bank Telegraphic Transfer (TT) buying and selling rates for 18th August 2026 were:
- USD: Buying Rs. 327.4050, Selling Rs. 336.4840
- GBP: Buying Rs. 442.0403, Selling Rs. 456.8682
- EUR: Buying Rs. 377.5795, Selling Rs. 390.9549
- JPY: Buying Rs. 2.0457, Selling Rs. 2.1190
Money Market and Treasury Bill Yields
In the money market, the Average Weighted Call Money Rate (AWCMR) was 8.83% and the Average Weighted Repo Rate (AWRR) was 8.79% on 18th August 2026. Treasury Bill market yields for 18th August 2026 demonstrated varied movements. The 91-Day T-Bills yield was observed at 9.57%, while the 182-Day T-Bills recorded 9.57%. For the longer-term 364-Day T-Bills, the yield stood at 10.01%.
Colombo Stock Exchange Performance
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) witnessed a mixed day on 18th August 2026. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) closed at 21,479.07, while the S&P SL20 index stood at 6,040.91. Daily turnover reached Rs. 2,036.91 million. The market capitalization was recorded at Rs. 7,790.40 billion, with a Price-to-Earnings (PE) Ratio of 11.33.
Foreign investor activity saw purchases totaling Rs. 42.87 million, significantly outpaced by foreign sales amounting to Rs. 648.83 million, indicating a net outflow for the day.
Energy Sector Update
Global petroleum product prices for 18th August 2026 showed Brent crude at USD 91.90 per barrel, WTI at USD 85.92 per barrel, and OPEC crude at USD 87.49 per barrel. Refined crude oil (Singapore Platts) was priced at USD 114.85 for petrol and USD 164.14 for diesel. Locally, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) prices remained stable:
- Petrol (92 octane): LKR 414.00 per litre
- Auto Diesel: LKR 382.00 per litre
- Kerosene: LKR 285.00 per litre
Electricity generation on 18th August 2026 recorded a total of 57.29 GWh, with peak demand reaching 2,925.80 MW. The generation mix indicated a significant reliance on thermal sources:
- Thermal Coal: 19.0%
- Thermal Oil: 16.8%
- Hydro: 34.9%
- Wind: 6.7%
- Solar: 21.9%
- Biomass: 0.7%
The Central Bank’s daily release provides essential transparency into Sri Lanka’s economic performance, allowing stakeholders to track key indicators and make informed decisions amidst evolving local and global economic landscapes.
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