Inflation rose in May

The Department of Census and Statistics has released the National Consumer Price Index and monthly consumer inflation rates for May 2026, taking 2021 as the base year. Accordingly, Sri Lanka's headline inflation rate, which was reported at 4.7 percent in April 2026, has shown a significant increase to 5.4 percent by May 2026.

The department indicates that the food category contributed 0.7 percent and the non-food category contributed 4.7 percent to this overall inflation rate.

According to the price index, the point-to-point inflation rate for the food category has increased from 1.1 percent in April to 1.5 percent in May. Similarly, the point-to-point inflation rate for the non-food category has also increased from 7.8 percent in April to 8.6 percent by May. In compiling the National Consumer Price Index, a weight of 39.22 percent has been given to the food category, and a weight of 60.78 percent has been given to the non-food category.

The National Consumer Price Index, which was recorded at 216.3 in April 2026, has increased to 218.8 by May, with the food category contributing 0.70 percent and the non-food category contributing 0.44 percent to this monthly change. In addition, when considered relative to the 2021 index reference period, the significant increase in the country's general price level is reported as 118.8 percent. The core inflation of the National Consumer Price Index, calculated by excluding frequently changing food, energy, and transport costs, also increased from 202.2 in April to 203.0 in May. Accordingly, the point-to-point core inflation rate in May is 4.5 percent, and its monthly change is 0.4 percent.

When analyzing the inflation conditions under various sub-categories, inflation in the transport sector has significantly increased from 14.3 percent in April to 16.9 percent in May. Inflation in the restaurants and hotels sector has increased from 6.7 percent to 9.0 percent, and inflation in the housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels sector has increased from 7.8 percent to 8.2 percent. Furthermore, the clothing and footwear sector shows an increase from 3.5 percent to 3.8 percent, and the alcoholic beverages and tobacco sector shows an increase from 2.5 percent to 2.9 percent. However, inflation in the recreation and culture sector has shown a decrease from 2.3 percent in April to 1.8 percent in May.

These data are released by the Prices and Wages Division of the Department of Census and Statistics, which operates under the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development. The next National Consumer Price Index for June 2026 is scheduled to be released on July 21, 2026, at 3:00 PM.