Sri Lanka, Aug. 17 -- Sri Lanka's services sector expanded in July, supported by growth in wholesale and retail trade, financial services, and the transportation of goods, according to the latest Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).

The services PMI rose to 70.1 in July from 61.9 in June, the CBSL said.

Business activities in the wholesale and retail trade experienced considerable growth during the month, the central bank said. Financial services continued to improve, driven by higher lending, while activities related to the transportation of goods also strengthened, it said.

Other sectors showing positive developments included personal services, postal activities, programming and broadcast...