📈 Sri Lanka Credit Card Growth Moderates in April

Data from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka shows a slowdown in the expansion of active credit cards for April 2026, though the overall trend remains positive amid recovering consumer spending. • Overall Figures & Growth: Total active cards reached 2,228,852 by end-April 2026, a modest MoM increase of 0.6% (up from 2,215,853 in March). April saw an addition of 12,999 active cards, a drop compared to the 22,473 cards added in March. Year-to-Date (YTD) growth for the first four months of 2026 stands at 2.9%, with 63,070 cards added. • Historical Context & Drivers: The April moderation follows a stronger trajectory in 2025, where active cards grew by 7.8% (+157,730 cards), and 2024, which saw 4.8% growth (+91,371 cards). Prior growth was driven by Sri Lanka's broader economic recovery, lower interest rates, and aggressive bank promotional campaigns. Total active cards currently remain above pre-crisis levels, reflecting a gradual but steady stabilization in national credit demand and retail activity.