Sri Lanka's Construction Purchasing Managers' Index records 59.4, held back by a bitumen shortage

7 October 2026

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka's Purchasing Managers' Index for Construction, measured by the Total Activity Index, recorded 59.4 in August 2026.
A reading in that range indicates continued expansion in construction activities, though at a slower rate than in the previous month.
Many survey respondents highlighted an ongoing bitumen shortage, which continued to constrain road construction progress.
The New Orders Index increased further in August, mainly driven by government-funded projects.
The Employment Index and the Quantity of Purchases Index both remained in expansion territory during the month.
Respondents also pointed to persistent shortages of skilled labour and raw materials as key constraints on sectoral growth.