Rupee ends weaker; importer dollar demand weighs

REUTERS: The Sri Lankan rupee ended weaker yesterday as importer dollar demand surpassed selling of the US currency by exporters after a long weekend, while the Central Bank raised the spot reference rate, indicating it did not want the rupee to rise, dealers said. The rupee usually rises in December ahead of Christmas and the New Year due to remittances from expatriates, but dealers said the rupee was expected to face pressure due to higher dollar demand from importers.