Sri Lanka’s Dollar Reserves Hit $7.1 Billion as CBSL Buys $191 Million from Market

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s foreign reserve position strengthened in October, with the Central Bank continuing its dollar-buying drive and pushing the country’s gross official reserves above the US$7 billion mark.

Fresh data released by the Central Bank show that gross official reserves were provisionally estimated at US$7.086 billion at the end of October 2026.

The reserve figure includes proceeds from the People's Bank of China swap arrangement, according to the Central Bank.

Adding to the positive momentum, the Central Bank recorded a net absorption of US$191 million from the domestic foreign exchange market during October, indicating that it purchased more foreign currency than it sold during the month.

The latest numbers arrive against a backdrop of improving external sector indicators. Workers' remittances climbed to US$735.6 million in October, while tourist arrivals reached 168,625 during the month, providing a steady stream of foreign exchange into the economy.

The Central Bank's weekly economic indicators report highlighted that the country's reserve stock stood at US$7.086 billion by end-October, compared with official reserve assets of US$6.867 billion reported for end-September, reflecting a month-on-month improvement in the nation's foreign currency position.