SL Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) – August 2026

Purchasing Managers’ Indices indicate expansions in both Manufacturing and Services activities in August 2026. Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index for Manufacturing (PMI – Manufacturing) recorded an index value of 53.0 in August 2026. This indicates an expansion in manufacturing activities, albeit at a slower rate compared to the previous month. All the sub-indices, except for Production, remained above the neutral threshold in August.  The New Orders sub-index remained at the neutral threshold in August, indicating broadly unchanged levels of new business activities. Meanwhile, the moderation in the Production sub-index was driven by the manufacture of textiles and wearing apparel sector. Both the Employment and Quantity of Purchases sub-indices increased in August, reflecting continued hiring and a gradual build-up of inventories in preparation for year-end seasonal production. Meanwhile, Suppliers’ Delivery Times sub-index lengthened further in August, reflecting persistent supply disruptions. The outlook remains positive, albeit moderated by near-term challenges, mainly due to the expected year-end seasonal upturn. Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index for Services(PMI ...