Sri Lanka current account returns to US$133m surplus after deficits
Sri Lanka’s external current account returned to a US$133 million surplus in August 2026, after recording deficits for four consecutive months, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
The improvement was supported by stronger foreign currency inflows, particularly from Sri Lankan workers overseas.
Workers’ remittances rose 10 per cent year-on-year to US$749 million in August, providing important support to the country’s external position.
Sri Lanka’s gross official reserves also increased to US$6.9 billion by the end of August.
Lower fuel import costs provided further relief, with fuel expenditure declining for the fourth consecutive month. This helped reduce pressure from merchandise imports.
However, the tourism sector recorded a weaker performance. Tourist arrivals fell 3.3 per cent compared with August 2025.
The Sri Lankan rupee also continued to face pressure against the US dollar, depreciating 6.3 per cent so far this year, according to the CBSL.
The latest figures were released in the Central Bank’s External Sector Performance – August 2026 report, highlighting a mixed picture for Sri Lanka’s external sector, with stronger remittances and reserves offsetting weaker tourism and continued currency pressure.
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Source : Newswire
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