The Sri Lankan rupee fell to a record low of 175.90 to the US dollar on Monday, as political uncertainty triggered by President Maithripala Sirisena's decision to dissolve parliament weighed on sentiment and also dragged bonds lower, market sources said. Stocks closed a touch firmer led by market heavyweight John Keells Holdings after the top conglomerate announced a share buyback.
Foreigners bought a net 81 million worth stocks on Monday, but have offloaded equities worth 7.7 billion rupees since the political crisis started on Oct. 26.