📈 CBSL Record Intervention: USD 223M Sold to Defend Rupee

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) reported its largest monthly intervention since 2024 to mitigate downward pressure on the Sri Lankan Rupee caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict. • May 2026 Intervention: The CBSL sold a record USD 223.3M against USD 12M in purchases, resulting in a net sale of USD 211.3M for the month. • Historical Comparison: This single-month sale exceeds the total annual dollar sales for both 2025 (USD 205.3M) and 2024 (USD 183M), marking a sharp reversal from net purchasing trends in previous years. • YTD 2026 Performance: As of 05 June 2026, the cumulative net position remains positive with USD 485.9M in net purchases (Total purchased: USD 886.1M; Total sold: USD 400.2M). • Currency Impact: The Sri Lankan Rupee has recorded a 7.8% year-to-date depreciation against the US dollar. Market stability remains a key focus as the CBSL balances exchange rate volatility with the need to protect foreign reserves.