Sri Lankan rupee ends down on importer dollar demand

COLOMBO: The Sri Lankan rupee fell on Tuesday as importer dollar demand outpaced greenback selling by exporters in the absence of intervention by the central bank through state-run lenders, dealers said.

The rupee fell 3 percent on Friday to a record low of 139.00 per dollar after the central bank effectively floated the currency by ceasing to quote its own reference rate.

The spot rupee ended 0.36 percent weaker at 138.30/50 per dollar, compared with Monday's close of 137.80/85.

"Exporter dollar selling is there, but importer demand is more," said a currency dealer asking not to be named. Some dealers said the central bank, which usually directs the market through state-run banks, did not interfere in the market on Tuesday.