The Sri Lankan rupee ended lower on Thursday as importer dollar demand surpassed exporter sales, while fears of US President-elect Donald Trump's economic policies leading to a stronger greenback thereby triggering foreign fund outflows also weighed. Dealers see the rupee being under pressure till seasonal inward remittances begin and on expected inflows, including the $200 million after the swap agreement with China Development Bank.
Rupee forwards were active while spot-next forwards ended at 149.00/02 per dollar, compared with Wednesday's close of 148.90/149.00. "Today there was some selling, but (the rupee) ended tad weaker due to late importer dollar demand," said a currency dealer, asking not to be named. The spot rupee was hardly traded, but was quoted at 148.10/60.