Sri Lanka’s overall annual inflation, measured by the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI), increased marginally to 5.5 percent in May 2026 from 5.4 percent recorded in April, according to the latest data released by the Department of Census and Statistics.
Despite the slight increase in overall inflation, food price pressures eased significantly during the month.
According to the Department’s latest report:
- Overall annual inflation increased from 5.4% in April to 5.5% in May
- Food inflation declined sharply from 2.8% to 0.9%
- Non-food inflation increased from 6.8% to 7.8%
The latest figures indicate that while food prices have stabilized, price increases in non-food categories continue to drive overall inflationary pressures.
The increase in non-food inflation reflects continued price pressures across sectors such as transport, utilities, services, and other consumer categories.
The inflation data comes amid ongoing monetary tightening measures by authorities and efforts to stabilize prices while managing exchange rate pressures and external economic shocks.
