FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – In May 2026, Sri Lanka’s services sector experienced growth as business activities showed signs of recovery. The central bank’s Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) recorded a value of 56.9, a significant increase from the 46.7 noted in the previous month.
This growth was largely fueled by advancements in the financial, professional, and other personal services sub-sectors. Additionally, sectors such as real estate, IT programming, and goods transportation also demonstrated marked improvements, as reported by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
The rise in new business ventures during May was particularly influenced by the expansion within the financial and professional services industries. Furthermore, the wholesale and retail trade, along with other personal services and goods transportation, played a role in this upward trend.
However, employment figures continued to decline, attributed to factors such as contract completions, retirements, and voluntary resignations. Moreover, the backlog of work diminished at a rate that surpassed the previous month’s decline. (Colombo/Jun16/2026)
