SenFin Research – News Updates – 22 August 2026

National inflation hits over three-year high 7.2% in July
National inflation accelerated to an over three-year high of 7.2% year-on-year (YoY) in July 2026 from 6.5% in June, as non-food prices remained elevated, according to the latest data from the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS).
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/National-inflation-hits-over-three-year-high-7-2-in-July/44-796373

Tea output dips 1% in July; seven-month crop down 2.6%
Tea production declined by 1.05% year-on-year (YoY) in July, while cumulative output during the first seven months of 2026 fell by 2.62%, according to the latest data compiled by Forbes & Walker Research.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Tea-output-dips-1-in-July-seven-month-crop-down-2-6/44-796375

Sri Lanka rupee closes at 329.40/50 to US dollar spot, bond yields steady
Sri Lanka’s rupee appreciated to close at 329.40/50 to the US dollar in the spot market on Friday, from 330.10/20 the previous day, while bond yields held broadly steady, dealers said.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-rupee-closes-at-329-40-50-to-us-dollar-spot-bond-yields-steady-281788/

Stocks close up on Friday, capital goods lead turnover
Sri Lanka’s Colombo Stock Exchange indices closed up on Friday morning, CSE data showed, with the benchmark All Share Price Index moving up 0.05 percent.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/stocks-close-up-on-friday-capital-goods-lead-turnover-281763/