Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
Wednesday, 19 November 2025 00:29 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The country’s manufacturing and services sectors in October have expanded, 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 61 in October, reflecting an increase in manufacturing activities at a faster rate compared to 55.4 in September 2025.
The CBSL said this increase was broad-based, with all sub-indices contributing positively to this expansion.
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. Moreover, firms enhanced their production during October in response to festive demand, resulting in an increase in the Production sub-index.
In addition, the Employment sub-index rebounded and the Stock of Purchases sub-index also increased, in line with the expansions observed in New Orders and Production.
However, Suppliers’ Delivery Time continued to remain lengthened during the period.
The CBSL said the outlook for manufacturing activities over the next three months remains positive, reflecting the positive sentiment ahead of the upcoming festive season.
The Services PMI registered an index value of 66 in October, indicating an accelerated expansion in services activities compared to 58.7 in September 2025.
Business activities expanded at a faster pace in October 2025, reflecting stronger momentum across multiple service sectors.
The expansion was led by robust performance in wholesale and retail trade. In addition, business activities related to financial services continued to improve, supported by increased lending activities. Other personal service activities and activities related to transportation of goods also contributed positively to the overall expansion.
The CBSL said New Businesses increased in October 2025, with higher demand for wholesale and retail trade, as well as improved activity in financial services.
In addition, Employment continued to rise in October 2025, although at a slower pace than in the previous month, as firms adjusted hiring to match operational needs.
However, Backlogs of Work continued to decline at the same rate as in September 2025.
The CBSL noted that the expectations for business activities over the next three months strengthened further, supported by favourable macroeconomic conditions, rising tourist arrivals, and an expected increase in demand during the festive season.
