Sri Lanka manufacturing PMI steady at 53.0 in September, growth continues

ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s manufacturing sector expanded at a steady rate in September 2026, registering a value of 53.0 on a Purchasing Managers Index compiled by the central bank, same as the previous month.

“This indicates that manufacturing activities continued to expand at a similar pace during the month,” CBSL said, noting the outlook remains positive, driven largely by optimism on year-end seasonal demand.

The New Orders sub-index expanded in the month, registering 51.0, attributed to positive developments in both the food and beverages and textiles and wearing apparel manufacturing sectors.

The Production sub-index also registered 51.0, for the same reason.

The Employment sub-index expanded at a slower pace, registering 52.6, from the previous 54.8.

The Stock of Purchases sub-index moderated towards the neutral threshold, “indicating broadly unchanged inventory levels during the month,” CBSL said.

Suppliers’ Delivery Times sub-index remained lengthened in September. (Colombo/Oct15/2026)