The Central Bank of Sri Lanka kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 7.75% at its January 2026 policy meeting, holding borrowing costs for the fourth consecutive time, stating that the current stance is sufficient to steer inflation toward the 5% target. Headline inflation stayed low at 2.1% in December, although food prices rose due to cyclone-related supply disruptions and seasonal demand. Inflation is projected to accelerate gradually and move toward the target by the 2nd half of 2026, while core inflation is expected to firm further. Economic momentum remains resilient, with GDP expanding 5.0% in the first nine months of 2025 and private-sector credit continuing to grow, supported by improving activity, vehicle imports, and post-cyclone rebuilding. Despite a wider trade deficit driven by higher imports, strong tourism receipts and workers’ remittances helped sustain a current account surplus and lift official reserves. The next policy review is scheduled for March 25, 2026. source: Central Bank of Sri Lanka

The benchmark interest rate in Sri Lanka was last recorded at 7.75 percent. Interest Rate in Sri Lanka averaged 7.98 percent from 2003 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 15.50 percent in March of 2023 and a record low of 4.50 percent in July of 2020. This page provides - Sri Lanka Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news. Sri Lanka Interest Rate - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on February of 2026.

The benchmark interest rate in Sri Lanka was last recorded at 7.75 percent. Interest Rate in Sri Lanka is expected to be 7.75 percent by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the Sri Lanka Interest Rate is projected to trend around 6.00 percent in 2027 and 5.00 percent in 2028, according to our econometric models.



Calendar GMT Reference Actual Previous Consensus TEForecast
2025-09-24 02:30 AM Interest Rate Decision 7.75% 7.75% 7.75% 7.75%
2025-11-26 02:00 AM Interest Rate Decision 7.75% 7.75% 7.75%
2026-01-28 02:00 AM Interest Rate Decision 7.75% 7.75% 7.75% 7.75%
2026-03-25 02:00 AM Interest Rate Decision 7.75% 7.75%
2026-05-26 02:00 AM Interest Rate Decision
2026-07-22 02:00 AM Interest Rate Decision


Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Banks Balance Sheet 21340915.00 21167402.00 LKR Million Nov 2025
Cash Reserve Ratio 2.00 2.00 percent Jan 2026
Central Bank Balance Sheet 4084329.50 4222637.70 LKR Million Nov 2025
Deposit Interest Rate 7.25 7.25 percent Dec 2025
Foreign Exchange Reserves 6838.00 6034.00 USD Million Dec 2025
Interest Rate 7.75 7.75 percent Jan 2026
Lending Rate 8.25 8.25 percent Jan 2026
Money Supply M0 1504888.30 1498253.90 LKR Million Nov 2025
Money Supply M1 2288025.00 2133936.00 LKR Million Dec 2025
Money Supply M2 14093448.00 13826284.00 LKR Million Dec 2025


Sri Lanka Interest Rate
In Sri Lanka, interest rates decisions are taken by The Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The official interest rates are the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) Rate and the Standing Lending Facility (SDFR) Rate.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
7.75 7.75 15.50 4.50 2003 - 2026 percent Daily

News Stream
Sri Lanka Keeps Policy Rate at 7.75%
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 7.75% at its January 2026 policy meeting, holding borrowing costs for the fourth consecutive time, stating that the current stance is sufficient to steer inflation toward the 5% target. Headline inflation stayed low at 2.1% in December, although food prices rose due to cyclone-related supply disruptions and seasonal demand. Inflation is projected to accelerate gradually and move toward the target by the 2nd half of 2026, while core inflation is expected to firm further. Economic momentum remains resilient, with GDP expanding 5.0% in the first nine months of 2025 and private-sector credit continuing to grow, supported by improving activity, vehicle imports, and post-cyclone rebuilding. Despite a wider trade deficit driven by higher imports, strong tourism receipts and workers’ remittances helped sustain a current account surplus and lift official reserves. The next policy review is scheduled for March 25, 2026.
2026-01-28
Sri Lanka Holds Policy Rate at 7.75%
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 7.75% at its November 2025 meeting, stating that the current stance remains appropriate for guiding inflation toward the 5% target. Headline inflation continued to accelerate in October and is expected to rise gradually before easing toward the target by the second half of 2026. Core inflation is also projected to increase modestly as demand strengthens, while medium-term expectations stay anchored. Economic indicators point to sustained growth momentum, supported by a broad-based expansion in private-sector credit amid a low-interest-rate environment and revived demand, including for vehicle imports. Imports have increased in recent months, widening the trade deficit, but robust tourism and workers’ remittances have helped cushion external pressures. The Central Bank reaffirmed its readiness to adjust policy if risks emerge.
2025-11-26
Sri Lanka Keeps Policy Rate at 7.75%
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 7.75% during its September 2025 meeting, aiming to steer inflation toward the 5% target while supporting economic growth. Headline inflation turned positive in August after eleven months of deflation and is projected to gradually rise toward target by mid-2026, with core inflation expected to stabilize around that level. The economy also expanded 4.8% in the first half of 2025, with momentum carrying into Q3, underpinned by broad-based private sector credit growth. On the external front, improved tourism and remittance inflows offset a wider trade deficit, helping reserves remain stable at USD 6.2 billion by end-August. Reflecting these gains, major rating agencies raised Sri Lanka’s sovereign ratings, underscoring improved credit standing. The next policy review is scheduled for November 26, 2025.
2025-09-24