Sri Lanka’s inflation remained modest in March 2026, as measured by the Colombo Consumer Price Index, and stood at 2.2% during the month. According to data released by the Department of Census and Statistics, the index rose 0.5% month-on-month to 195.8 points in March from 195.3 points in February.

 

The department said the increase reflected a rise of Rs. 451.99 in the cost of the standard “market basket” of goods and services. Month-on-month changes showed mixed price movements, with food prices declining by 0.27% while non-food items rose by 0.52%.

 

The Colombo Consumer Price Index is the most widely used indicator to track price movements and cost-of-living changes in Sri Lanka. Experts believe that inflation may see a sharp spike in the coming months due to rising petroleum prices, in addition to an increase in several imports.