Sri Lanka current account returns to deficit in September 2026

Sri Lanka’s current account shifted back into a deficit of US$128 million in September 2026, following a surplus in August. According to Central Bank data, the cumulative deficit for the first nine months of the year reached US$420 million.

While merchandise exports grew by 21 percent year on year to US$1.377 billion, imports rose by 2.9 percent to US$2.109 billion. The overall trade deficit for the first nine months expanded to US$7.9 billion, compared to US$5.2 billion during the same period the previous year. Fuel import spending declined for the fifth consecutive month, though year-to-date fuel imports rose 51.5 percent.

The services account surplus contracted by 34.3 percent to US$119 million in September, as payments for travel and air transport increased faster than receipts. Tourism income for September was estimated at US$186 million, a 1.5 percent increase, but total earnings for the first nine months fell 9.2 percent to US$2.2 billion.

Other factors influencing the balance include a widening primary income deficit, which reached US$241 million in September due to increased dividend payments on direct investments. However, workers’ remittances provided support, rising 5.6 percent year on year to US$734 million in September.