ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka enterprise actions in manufacturing and companies continued to develop in February, buoyed by the upcoming festive season, in accordance with a Buying Managers Index compiled by the central financial institution.
The PMI manufacturing recorded 56.8 in February from 59.0 in January (above 50) indicating a continued growth in manufacturing actions.
“Many of the companies, significantly inside the meals and beverage manufacturing sector, are gearing up for the upcoming festive season, driving expansions within the new orders [60.5] and manufacturing sub-indices [53.0],” the central financial institution mentioned.
Employment, 57.0, and inventory of purchases, 55.0, additionally expanded, indicating proactive changes to accommodate rising demand.
Suppliers’ supply time continued to elongate in February, recording 56.6, reflecting the elevated stress on suppliers, the central financial institution mentioned.
“Expectations for the manufacturing actions for the subsequent three months stay constructive, primarily because of the upcoming festive season.”
Sri Lanka Buying Managers’ Index for Companies recorded an index worth of 56.5 in February 2025 indicating a slower growth in companies actions.
Enterprise actions expanded, supported by the enhancements noticed throughout many of the sectors, the central financial institution mentioned.
“Enterprise actions within the monetary companies continued to enhance supported by elevated lending actions.”
Enterprise actions associated to wholesale and retail commerce and training additionally confirmed enhancements.
Actual property, skilled companies, lodging, meals and beverage, insurance coverage and different private companies associated enterprise actions additionally indicated will increase in February.
New companies elevated 58.5 in February at a slower fee than in January (59.0), on account of expansions noticed within the monetary companies, lodging, meals and beverage, training, different private companies, actual property and transportation associated actions.
“Employment continued to extend [59.6] amid recruitments throughout many corporations in view of the festive season.”
Backlogs of labor continued to say no at the next fee registering 45.6.
“Expectations for Enterprise Actions for the subsequent three months continued to enhance at the next fee [81.3] on account of upcoming festive season.” (Colombo/Mar17/2025)
