How inflation fluctuated in May

The Department of Census and Statistics has officially released the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) and the monthly consumer inflation rate report for the Colombo Metropolitan Area for May 2026. Accordingly, the headline point-to-point inflation in the Colombo Metropolitan Area, which was recorded at 5.4 percent in April 2026, shows a slight increase to 5.5 percent by May.

According to these latest calculations, based on 2021 as the base year, the Colombo Consumer Price Index, which was 201.6 in April, has increased to 203.4 in May. Due to this, the overall increase in the general price level relative to the base year is recorded as 103.4 percent.

Data reports confirm that inflation variations in the food and non-food categories show many significant differences. In May, point-to-point inflation in the food category significantly dropped to 0.9 percent, while it was recorded at 2.8 percent in April. The monthly price change in the food category is 0.3 percent, contributing 0.26 percent to the overall monthly index change. Meanwhile, point-to-point inflation in the non-food category, which has a high weighting of 73.8 percent in the overall index, has increased from 6.8 percent in April to 7.8 percent in May. The monthly price change in this non-food category is recorded as 0.9 percent, contributing 0.62 percent to the overall monthly change.

Core Inflation, which is calculated by excluding volatile factors such as frequently changing food, energy, and transport costs, was reported at 3.9 percent in May. Accordingly, the Prices and Wages Division operating under the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development indicates that the Core Consumer Price Index, which was 185.6 in April, has increased to 186.1 by May. The food category contributed 0.31 percent to the overall inflation rate, while the non-food category contributed 5.20 percent. A weighting of 26.2 percent in the point-to-point inflation index has been allocated for the food category.

When analyzing price levels under various sub-categories, the increase in transport costs is at a notable level, with transport inflation rising from 11.6 percent in April to 13.9 percent in May. In addition, inflation in the restaurants and hotels sector increased from 10.5 percent to 11.9 percent, and inflation in the housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels category increased from 5.4 percent to 6.9 percent. The household equipment and routine household maintenance sector recorded a price increase from 3.0 percent to 3.9 percent, and the alcoholic beverages and tobacco sector from 2.0 percent to 3.0 percent. However, inflation in the clothing and footwear sector decreased from 3.5 percent to 1.7 percent, and the recreation and culture sector from 0.7 percent to 0.1 percent, as confirmed by statistical data. The Colombo Consumer Price Index for June 2026 is scheduled to be released on June 30, 2026, at 3:00 PM.