Sri Lanka, Jan. 19 -- Sri Lanka's private sector closed 2025 on a firm footing as both manufacturing and services activities expanded sharply in December, highlighting resilient domestic demand and improving business sentiment despite early weather-related disruptions.

Data released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) indicated a strong finish to the year, underscoring a broad recovery in economic momentum.

The Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 60.9 in December, remaining well above the neutral 50-point threshold to signal a sustained pickup in factory activity. This growth was broad-based across all sub-indices, primarily driven by new orders and production.

Seasonal demand-particularly within the food and b...