Sri Lanka’s external current account returned to a surplus in August 2026 after four consecutive months of deficits, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
The current account recorded a surplus of US$133 million during the month, marking an improvement in the country’s external sector performance.
Workers’ remittances continued to provide strong support, increasing 10% year-on-year to US$749 million in August.
Gross official reserves also increased to US$6.9 billion by the end of August 2026.
Meanwhile, fuel import expenditure declined for the fourth consecutive month, helping ease pressure from merchandise imports.
Tourism, however, recorded a year-on-year decline, with tourist arrivals falling 3.3% compared with August 2025.
The Sri Lankan rupee also remained under pressure, depreciating 6.3% against the US dollar on a year-to-date basis, according to the Central Bank.
The figures were released as part of the CBSL’s External Sector Performance report for August 2026. (Newswire)
