Sri Lanka, July 20 -- Sri Lanka's tea production declined during the first five months of 2026, while inflation continued its upward trend and crude oil prices increased amid heightened geopolitical tensions, according to the Central Bank's latest Weekly Economic Indicators report.

The report said tea production from January to May 2026 recorded a year-on-year decline, mainly due to reduced output in March and April caused by adverse weather conditions. Rubber production also fell during the period, with a notable contraction in May owing to reduced tapping operations following increased rainy days.

Inflation remained on an upward trajectory in June. The National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) headline inflation rose to 5.4% year-on-year i...