SenFin Research – News Updates – 1 September 2026

August Inflation 8%
The YoY overall rate of inflation, measured by the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) increased to 8.% in August 2026 from 7.3% in July 2026.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/09/01/business/1036483/august-inflation-8/

Construction PMI climbs in July
Sri Lanka’s construction sector expanded at a faster pace for the third consecutive month in July, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index for Construction (PMI – Construction) rising to 61.4 from 60 in June and 59.1 in May, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) said.
Source: (Daily Ft) https://www.ft.lk/business/Construction-PMI-climbs-in-July/34-796624

Sri Lanka’s exports cross US$10 Bn in first seven months
Sri Lanka’s total exports surpassed the US$10 billion milestone during the first seven months of 2026, reflecting continued resilience in the country’s external sector despite challenging global market conditions.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/09/01/business/1036465/sri-lankas-exports-cross-us10-bn-in-first-seven-months/

Sri Lanka services exports rise 20.07-pct in July 2026, despite drop in financial services
Sri Lanka’s services exports in July 2026 rose by 20.07 percent to 351.92 million dollars, compared to the same period last year, the island’s Export Development Board said.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-services-exports-rise-20-07-pct-in-july-2026-despite-drop-in-financial-services-282268/

External current account in deficit for fourth month
The external current account remained in deficit for a fourth consecutive month in July, taking the cumulative shortfall to $ 387 million in the first seven months of 2026, as the merchandise trade gap widened amid higher imports linked to developments in the Middle East.
Source: (Daily Ft) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/External-current-account-in-deficit-for-fourth-month/44-796615

Official poverty line rises to Rs. 17,679 in July
Sri Lanka’s national official poverty line rose to Rs. 17,679 per person per month in July 2026, up 0.5% from the previous month, according to the latest Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) data.
Source: (Daily Ft) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Official-poverty-line-rises-to-Rs-17-679-in-July/44-796616

Oil prices rise as latest fighting resurrects Middle East supply disruption risks
Oil prices gained on Tuesday as the resumption of fighting between the U.S. and Iran in the Middle East renewed fears of ‌supply disruptions from the world's key crude-producing region.
Source: (Reuters) https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/oil-prices-rise-latest-fighting-resurrects-middle-east-supply-disruption-risks-2026-09-01/

CPC slashes petrol prices by up to Rs. 20 per litre
The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has slashed petrol prices by up to Rs. 20 per litre, while keeping diesel and kerosene prices unchanged.
Source: (Daily Ft) https://www.ft.lk/business/CPC-slashes-petrol-prices-by-up-to-Rs-20-per-litre/34-796625

CSE snaps three-month losing streak in August, down 5.7% YTD
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) returned to positive territory in August, with both benchmark indices posting their first monthly gains since April, snapping three consecutive months of declines.
Source: (Daily Ft) https://www.ft.lk/business/CSE-snaps-three-month-losing-streak-in-August-down-5-7-YTD/34-796628

Sri Lanka rupee closes at 328.10/30 to US dollar spot, bond yields steady
Sri Lanka’s rupee closed at 328.10/30 to the US dollar in the spot market on Monday, weaker from 327.98/328.04 Friday, while bond yields closed lower on selected tenors while the rest of the yield curve consolidated, dealers said.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-rupee-closes-at-328-10-30-to-us-dollar-spot-bond-yields-steady-282339/

Sri Lanka stocks close up on Monday, capital goods lead turnover
Sri Lanka’s Colombo Stock Exchange closed up on Monday trading, CSE data showed, with the benchmark All Share Price Index moving up 0.11 percent.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-stocks-close-up-on-monday-capital-goods-lead-turnover-282300/

Asia Capital wins Rs 1.5 Bn debt rebate
Asia Capital PLC has taken a major step in strengthening its financial position after successfully securing a LKR 1.5 billion rebate on a LKR 1.8 billion debt owed to Fast Gain International Ltd.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/09/01/business/1036481/asia-capital-wins-rs-1-5-bn-debt-rebate/