Sri Lanka Construction Activity Eases to 57.8 in Sept Amid Bitumen Shortage 🏗️

Sri Lanka’s construction sector continued expanding in September 2026, though growth slowed down due to material shortages, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). • Total Activity: Construction PMI dropped to 57.8 in Sept (down from 59.4 in Aug), signaling slower month-on-month expansion. • Drivers & Constraints: A severe shortage of bitumen delayed major road construction projects, while skilled labor scarcity continued to constrain the sector. • New Orders: The index rose to 65.6 (from 62.5 in Aug), primarily driven by new Government-funded projects. • Employment: Moderated to 58.1 (from 59.7 in Aug) as firms faced ongoing shortages of skilled workers despite steady hiring needs. • Supply Chain: Quantity of Purchases index increased to 62.5, while Suppliers' Delivery Times lengthened to 65.6, reflecting heightened supply-side bottlenecks. • Outlook: Expectations for the next three months remain positive, supported by newly awarded projects across the country.