Sri Lanka, Sept. 17 -- The Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) data for August showed both manufacturing and services activities expanding during the month indicating that the broader economy is maintaining the momentum it gained since May with the easing of restrictions, with a few sectors to spare.

The PMI for manufacturing activities recorded 57.9 index value for August while the services recorded an index value of 56.0, continuing the expansion for the third consecutive month by the latter, the data compiled by the Central Bank showed.

In July, PMI for manufacturing was recorded at 64.6 index points, indicating some deceleration while the services sector recorded a PMI of 51.4 index points then.

An index value of 50.0 or above is inte...