The Sri Lankan rupee ended steady on Tuesday as late importer dollar demand helped offset bank and exporter dollar sales, dealers said. However, some dealers anticipate the rupee to appreciate due to expected dollar deposits from foreign investors. An unidentified investor has promised to invest $1 billion in dollar deposits in Sri Lanka, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake told Reuters, in an unusual move that highlights the country's precarious finances.

Karunanayake refused to reveal the investor's identity, but said the individual is a Belgian working with a Sri Lankan partner to invest $1 billion in dollar deposits in Sri Lanka. The rupee ended steady at 143.75/85 per dollar.

Copyright Reuters, 2016