Sri Lanka’s official foreign reserves reached $ 6.51 billion in March, according to the latest data released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).

This is a 7.1% increase from the $ 6.08 billion reported at the end of February, signaling a continued recovery in the country’s external financial position. The growth aligns with Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic stabilisation efforts following its 2022 sovereign debt crisis (IMF Sri Lanka Programme, 2023).

The Central Bank attributed part of the reserve boost to its foreign currency purchases in the domestic market. In March alone, the CBSL acquired $ 401.9 million from the domestic foreign exchange market, significantly contributing to the rise in reserves.

The increase in reserves comes amid improving remittance inflows, tourism recovery, and tighter monetary policies aimed at curbing inflation.