The Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index for Construction (PMI – Construction), as reflected by the Total Activity Index, increased to 66.2 in November 2025. Most firms reported improved construction activity during the month, despite the weather-related disruptions towards the end of the period.
The New Orders Index remained expanded in November. Many respondents highlighted the increased availability of both private and government-funded projects during the month. The Employment and Quantity of Purchases indices further increased, indicating a continued optimism about the availability of construction projects. Meanwhile, the Suppliers’ Delivery Time remained lengthened in November.
PMI Construction Total Activity Index 66.2
Month: November 2025
PMI – Construction (Total Activity Index)
Summary of the PMI – Construction Survey
| Variable | Oct. | Nov. | +/- | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMI – Construction (Total Activity Index) | 64.3 | 66.2 | + | Rising, Higher Rate |
| New Orders | 67.1 | 64.7 | – | Rising, Slower Rate |
| Employment | 52.9 | 57.4 | + | Rising, Higher Rate |
| Quantity of Purchases | 58.6 | 58.8 | + | Rising, Higher Rate |
| Suppliers’ Delivery Time | 52.9 | 53.0 | + | Lengthening, Higher Rate |
Source: Central Bank of Sri Lanka
Outlook
Despite the anticipated slowdown in December due to holidays and cyclone-related disruptions, the outlook for the next three months remains positive. This is supported by anticipated favourable weather conditions and the launch of new projects in the new year, with post-cyclone reconstruction efforts to provide additional momentum.
The World Outlook: Summary of PMI Construction
| Country/Territory | Direction |
|---|---|
| Eurozone | Falling, Slower Rate |
| France | Falling, Slower Rate |
| Germany | Falling, Slower Rate |
| Ireland | Falling, Higher Rate |
| Italy | Falling from Rising |
| UK | Falling, Higher Rate |
Source: S&P Global (as of 30 December 2025) (PMI Releases (spglobal.com)). S&P Global compiles PMIs for over 40 economies worldwide.
Technical Note
Methodology
The index compilation and interpretation of indices follow the survey methodology of S&P Global. The Construction Total Activity Index is the headline index for Construction, which is referred to as the PMI – Construction, as per the international best practices. The Construction Total Activity Index is comparable to the Manufacturing Production Index and Services Business Activity Index.
The Index
PMI is calculated as a “Diffusion Index”, where it takes values between 0 and 100.
- PMI = 50: sector remained neutral on month-on-month basis
- PMI > 50: sector is generally expanding on month-on-month basis
- PMI < 50: sector is generally declining on month-on-month basis
Sample
The survey is conducted targeting highest graded local construction companies registered in the Construction Industry Development Authority covering around 35 responses to capture month on month developments.
Definitions of Variables
- Employment: Number of staff working for the organization
- Quantity of purchases: Raw materials purchased and kept in a warehouse to be used for production
- Supplier Delivery Time: Time lag between order placement and delivery by the supplier
- Other variables: self-explanatory