The ‘Weekly Economic Indicators’ report issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka shows that the Sri Lankan economy is at risk of facing a crisis in the future due to the widening trade deficit, rapid increase in import expenditure and resurgence of inflation. According to the report, several key sectors of the economy are showing adverse growth.
The country’s trade deficit has widened significantly to US$ 4,661 million in the first five months of 2026, compared to US$ 2,730 million in the corresponding period of 2025, the report says.
Although export revenue grew by only 7.6 percent. This risky situation has been created by a 29.0 percent increase in import expenditure, the report says.