The Sri Lankan rupee appreciated by 0.2 per cent against the US dollar as of 16 January 2026, showing modest stability at the start of the year. 

Official figures show foreign reserves climbed to $6.83 billion by the end of December 2025, up from $6.03 billion in November. Most of this was in foreign-currency assets ($6.73 billion), with gold holdings at $86 in billion. 

However, according to the central bank, net usable reserves were lower, reflecting the total amount included in swap arrangements with other central banks. These swaps increased before the recent cyclone, highlighting the country’s continued reliance on short-term external support. 

International reserves data for November showed $5.94 billion in foreign currency assets, including $3.15 billion in securities and $2.79 billion in deposits. Of the deposits, $1.68 billion was held with other central banks and institutions, such as the BIS and the IMF, while $1.11 billion was placed with foreign commercial banks. (Source -The Lender )