MONETABRIEF – Sri Lanka's services continued to expand in June 2026, with a Purchasing Managers' Index showing 58.5, up from 56.5 in the previous month.
"Growth was primarily driven by the financial and professional services sub-sectors, alongside notable gains in the insurance sector," the central bank which compiles the index said.
"New businesses grew in June 2026, primarily led by the financial services sector. The insurance, professional services, and other personal services sectors also contributed to the expansion."
Employment had increased in June 2026 as multiple companies expanded their workforce.
The Backlogs of Work sub index, which had been falling in May, held steady in June as the index reached the neutral threshold.
Expectations for business activity for the next quarter was positive, with surge in tourist arrivals, partly driven by the upcoming Kandy Esala Perahera season.
However, broader global uncertainties still pose risks to the outlook. (Colombo/July18/2026)