The Sri Lankan rupee closed firmer on Friday, as exporter dollar sales and inward remittances surpassed demand for the US currency by importers, dealers said. The spot rupee, which traded at 152.75/85 during the day, ended at 152.80/153.00 per dollar, compared with Thursday's close of 152.85/95.
"There was significant import demand today, we have seen some oil bills too but because of the remittances and exporter dollar sales rupee ended firmer," said a currency dealer. The rupee has lost 2.2 percent so far this year, but currency dealers say dollar demand has slightly waned, lending support to the domestic currency.
The market has been waiting for more clarity over a foreign exchange management act introduced by the government last month. Foreign investors have net bought equities worth 18.37 billion rupees ($120.18 million) this year as of Friday's close. They bought government securities worth a net 62.4 billion rupees as of December 13, official data showed. Both the currency and stock markets will remain closed on Monday for a holiday and normal trading will resume on Tuesday.
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