Businesses add jobs, pin hopes on year-end demand

Sri Lanka’s services sector continued to grow in September 2026, but at a slower pace than in August, according to a Purchasing Managers Index compiled by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). The index value was 60.5, down from 65.6 the previous month.

CBSL reported that activity improved across several service sub-sectors, led by financial services, with education and professional services also contributing. New business increased to 60.9 from 60.0 in August, supported by growth in financial services and positive contributions from insurance, education, professional and other personal services.

Employment rose as firms in several sectors recruited to meet operational requirements and support business growth. Work backlogs declined, although the pace of decline was slower than in the previous month.

The Daily Mirror reported that manufacturing held steady and businesses were counting on year-end demand to sustain momentum. CBSL warned that wider global economic uncertainties continued to pose risks to the outlook.