Vehicle imports decline in January: Central Bank

Colombo, February 28 (Daily Mirror) - The imports of vehicles, including both personal and commercial vehicles, declined in January 2026 to USD 224 million when compared to December 2025, which recorded USD 301 million, the Central Bank said.

It said that in January 2026, tourist arrivals recorded an increase on a year-on-year basis and surpassed the monthly level 

recorded in 2025. 

Tourist earnings were estimated at USD 378 million in January 2026, the CBSL said.

It said workers’ remittances amounted to USD 751 million in January 2026, recording a notable increase of 31.1 per cent 

from the same month of the previous year.

The CBSL said, in January 2026, foreign investments in the government securities market recorded a net inflow of USD 17 million. 

Meanwhile, foreign investments in the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), including both primary and secondary market transactions, recorded a net outflow of USD 22 million in January 2026.

The Gross official reserves (GOR), including the swap facility with the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), recorded at USD 6.8 billion at end January 2026.