Tuesday Dec 16, 2025
Tuesday Dec 16, 2025
Tuesday, 16 December 2025 02:58 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The country’s manufacturing and services sectors in November have expanded, though at a slower rate compared to the previous month, as per the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), its compiler the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) said.
The Manufacturing PMI registered an index value of 55.5 in November, indicating an expansion in manufacturing activities, although at a slower rate compared to 61 in October 2025.
The CBSL said this increase was broad-based, with all sub-indices contributing positively to this expansion.
The expansion in New Orders was primarily driven by increased activity in the food and beverages, and textiles and apparel manufacturing sectors.
It added that Production remained at a neutral level, reflecting broadly unchanged output relative to the previous month.
Employment and Stocks of Purchases registered month-on-month increases, consistent with the observed improvements in New Orders and Production.
However, Suppliers’ Delivery Time remained lengthened in November relative to the previous month, reflecting the continued demand for inputs.
The notable expansion in the New Orders sub-index was driven by the manufacture of food and beverages sector, with many respondents receiving production orders for the upcoming festive season.
The CBSL said despite recent adverse weather conditions, the outlook for manufacturing activities over the next three months remains positive, owing largely to anticipated seasonal demand.
The Services PMI registered an index value of 50.5 in November, indicating a slower expansion in services activities compared to 66 in October 2025.
Business activities expanded at a slower pace in November 2025, partly reflecting the impact of adverse weather conditions experienced towards the end of the month. The accommodation, food, and beverage services were the primary drivers of expansion.
Additionally, financial services continued to strengthen amidst increased lending, thereby contributing to the overall increase.
The CBSL said New Businesses increased in November 2025, underpinned by increased demand for financial services and improved activity in wholesale and retail trade.
Employment continued to expand in November 2025, as firms increased hiring to meet seasonal operational needs. Backlogs of Work increased, reversing a three-month period of continuous decline.
The Expectations for Business Activities over the next quarter continued to improve, though the pace of strengthening has moderated.
The CBSL said some respondents expressed concerns regarding disruptions to consumer demand caused by adverse weather conditions. Nevertheless, relatively favourable macroeconomic conditions and an expected increase in festive demand supported business expectations.
