Sri Lanka’s current account recorded a marginal surplus in December 2025, contributing to a provisional annual surplus of US$ 1.7 billion for the year, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). Most months in 2025 also saw monthly current account surpluses.
Despite record-high export earnings, the merchandise trade deficit widened to around US$ 7.9 billion for the year. Vehicle imports totaled US$ 2.05 billion, with December alone accounting for US$ 301 million. The country’s terms of trade deteriorated slightly as export prices fell faster than import prices.
The services account surplus rose to US$ 344 million in December, bringing the cumulative 2025 surplus to US$ 3.7 billion. Tourist arrivals increased 15.1% year-on-year, surpassing 2018 levels, though earnings grew marginally by 1.6%, remaining below 2018 figures.
Workers’ remittances hit a record high of over US$ 8 billion in 2025, marking a 22.8% increase compared to 2024.
Foreign investment trends were mixed:
-
Government securities saw a marginal outflow of US$ 5 million in December, but a net inflow of US$ 248 million for the year.
-
Investments in the Colombo Stock Exchange recorded a net outflow of US$ 122 million in 2025.
Gross official reserves improved to around US$ 6.8 billion by the end of 2025, supported by multilateral receipts and net foreign exchange purchases. The Sri Lankan rupee appreciated 0.2% against the US dollar in January 2026 following a depreciation in 2025.
