Sri Lanka's Official Reserve Assets Decline 3.5% in March, Fall Below $7 Billion

Sri Lanka's official reserve assets experienced a 3.5% decline in March 2026, falling to USD 7,019 million from USD 7,270 million recorded in February, as reported by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). This decrease occurred after February's reserves had surpassed the USD 7 billion threshold for the first time in five and a half years. The primary component, foreign exchange reserves, also saw a reduction during March. While one report noted a significant increase in gold reserves in March, another indicated a decrease in gold reserves by April, when overall assets reportedly fell below USD 7 billion again. The total reserve figures include funds from a swap arrangement with the People's Bank of China.