Annual inflation in Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo, rose to 2.3% in January 2026, the highest level since July 2024, up from 2.1% in December. Food inflation edged up to 3.3% from 3.0% in both November and December, despite the impact of November’s cyclone and subsequent floods, which caused significant damage to crops and infrastructure. Higher prices for sea fish, milk powder, chicken, and dried fish were partially offset by a decline in rice. Non-food inflation remained at 1.8% for the second consecutive month, driven by increases in housing and utilities, restaurants and hotels, education, health, and clothing and footwear, while transport prices fell. On a monthly basis, inflation slowed to 0.6% from 1.2% in December.
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Sri Lanka Inflation Rises to 2024-Highs
Annual inflation in Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo, rose to 2.3% in January 2026, the highest level since July 2024, up from 2.1% in December. Food inflation edged up to 3.3% from 3.0% in both November and December, despite the impact of November’s cyclone and subsequent floods, which caused significant damage to crops and infrastructure. Higher prices for sea fish, milk powder, chicken, and dried fish were partially offset by a decline in rice. Non-food inflation remained at 1.8% for the second consecutive month, driven by increases in housing and utilities, restaurants and hotels, education, health, and clothing and footwear, while transport prices fell. On a monthly basis, inflation slowed to 0.6% from 1.2% in December.