Sri Lanka Construction Activity Surges to Near-Record High in Jan 2026 📈

The construction sector saw a significant expansion in January 2026, with the Total Activity Index reaching 75.0. This marks the second-highest level ever recorded, trailing only the July 2020 peak. • Overall Momentum: The index rose sharply due to the launch of new projects following the New Year and a recovery from December’s weather disruptions. • New Orders & Procurement: The New Orders Index grew across most segments, signaling strong project availability. This led to a rise in the Quantity of Purchases as firms stocked materials for upcoming work. • Employment Trends: While the Employment Index expanded, many firms reported persistent challenges in recruiting for specialized skilled labor roles. • Supply Chain: Suppliers’ Delivery Time remained lengthened, indicating continued pressure on logistics and material timelines. _Data based on the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for Construction._