Sri Lanka’s rupee was trading at 309.60/85 against the US dollar in the spot market on Tuesday, compared to 309.50/65 the previous day, according to market dealers. The currency has depreciated in recent weeks, following a decline from around 292 to the dollar recorded in December 2024. This weakening occurs despite record current account surpluses and narrowing budget deficits, as the central bank has selectively restricted convertibility for private importers after purchasing US dollars and increasing market liquidity.

In the government securities market, yields on shorter-tenor bonds edged higher. The bond maturing on 15 October 2028 was quoted at 9.15/20 percent, while the 15 December 2029 maturity was at 9.60/68 percent, up from 9.55/62 percent previously. The 15 March 2031 bond was quoted at 9.90/10.00 percent. The 15 December 2032 issue was at 10.30/40 percent, and the bond maturing on 1 November 2033 remained steady at 10.40/50 percent.

Telegraphic transfer rates for the US dollar stood at 306.0000 for buying and 313.0000 for selling. The British pound was quoted at 411.6300 for buying and 422.9918 for selling, while the euro was at 358.2175 for buying and 369.5807 for selling.

On the Colombo Stock Exchange, indices showed an upward trend. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) rose by 0.06 percent, or 0.17 points, to reach 21,936. The S&P SL20 index increased by 0.13 percent, or 8.03 points, to 6,022. (Colombo/Dec23/2025)