Sri Lanka: economy

What is the inflation rate in Sri Lanka?

Consumer prices in Colombo were 8.0% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, unchanged from August, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, based on the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI). Food inflation rose to 8.7% and non-food inflation was 7.7%.

The national index (NCPI), published by the Department of Census and Statistics, showed inflation of 8.1% in August 2026. Core inflation, which excludes volatile items, rose to 5.4% in September. The Central Bank projects headline inflation to stay in high single digits through the first quarter of 2027 before easing towards its 5% target.

Official sources: Central Bank of Sri Lanka: CCPI inflation, September 2026 · DCS: National Consumer Price Index (NCPI)

What is the interest rate in Sri Lanka?

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka's Overnight Policy Rate is 8.75%, kept unchanged by its Monetary Policy Board on 29 September 2026, according to its Monetary Policy Review of 30 September 2026.

The Board said it took into account the effects of the policy tightening of May 2026 and the uncertainty from tensions in the Middle East and possible El Niño conditions. The Overnight Policy Rate is the Central Bank's main policy instrument and guides short-term money market rates. The next regular policy statement is due on 20 November 2026.

Official sources: Central Bank of Sri Lanka: Monetary Policy Review No. 5, September 2026 (PDF)

What is the GDP growth rate of Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka's real GDP was 4.2% higher in the second quarter of 2026 than a year earlier, according to the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS). GDP at constant 2015 prices was Rs. 3,029,816 million, up from Rs. 2,908,570 million.

Industry grew 7.3% and services 2.7%, while agriculture shrank 2.3%. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka puts growth for the first half of 2026 at 4.7%. For full years, the IMF World Economic Outlook (October 2026) gives 5.0% for 2025 and projects 4.0% for 2026.

Official sources: DCS: National accounts estimates, second quarter 2026 (PDF) · Central Bank of Sri Lanka: Monetary Policy Review No. 5, September 2026 (PDF) · IMF DataMapper: Real GDP growth, Sri Lanka

What is the GDP per capita of Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka's GDP per person was about US$5,004 in 2025, according to the IMF World Economic Outlook (October 2026), which projects about US$5,062 for 2026. The World Bank gives US$5,002 for 2025.

Dollar figures depend on the rupee's exchange rate as well as on output. The IMF series shows GDP per capita rising from about US$3,363 in 2022 to US$4,545 in 2024.

Official sources: IMF DataMapper: GDP per capita, Sri Lanka · World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$), Sri Lanka

How fast is Sri Lanka's economy growing?

5.0%: that is real GDP growth in Sri Lanka for 2025, according to the World Bank. Since 2005 it has ranged from -7.3% (2022) to 8.7% (2011). It is 4th highest of 6 in South Asia, where the median is 5.6%. Of 180 countries with 2025 data, 48th highest.

What is GDP per capita in Sri Lanka?

In 2025, GDP per person in Sri Lanka was $5,002, according to the World Bank. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across South Asia the middle value was $3,598, and Sri Lanka placed 2nd highest of 6. World rank, highest first: 114th of 180.

What is Sri Lanka's GDP per capita at PPP?

In 2025, GDP per person at purchasing power parity in Sri Lanka was $17,065 in international dollars, according to the World Bank. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across South Asia the middle value was $14,406 in international dollars, and Sri Lanka placed 3rd highest of 6. Worldwide: 99th of 179.

What share of Sri Lanka's economy is exports?

According to the World Bank, exports of goods and services in Sri Lanka was 19.0% of GDP in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2005, at 32.3% of GDP; its low point was 2020, at 15.5% of GDP. Of 133 countries with 2025 data, 110th highest.

What is Sri Lanka's current account balance?

1.6% of GDP: that is the current account balance in Sri Lanka for 2025, according to the IMF. The peak was 1.7% of GDP in 2023 and the low -9.5% of GDP in 2008. It is 2nd highest of 5 in South Asia, where the median is -0.0% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 42nd of 132.

What is FDI in Sri Lanka?

1.0% of GDP: that is net inflows of foreign direct investment in Sri Lanka for 2025, according to the IMF. Its high point since 2005 was 2007, at 1.9% of GDP; its low point was 2020, at 0.5% of GDP. South Asia median: 0.7% of GDP; Sri Lanka is 3rd highest of 6. Worldwide: 132nd of 179.

What are bank lending rates in Sri Lanka?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2019, is 11.2%. Since 2005 it has ranged from 7.0% (2015) to 18.9% (2008). Across South Asia the middle value was 11.2%, and Sri Lanka placed 3rd highest of 5. Worldwide: 46th of 114.