The Sri Lankan rupee closed weaker on Thursday as dollar demand from importers and banks surpassed mild conversions by exporters, dealers said. The spot rupee ended at 153.80/85, compared with Wednesday's close of 153.70/80. "There was demand today from a state bank probably to pay some oil bills. Then we saw some demand from a foreign bank too," said a currency dealer. "The inflows were not that heavy today."

Pressure on the currency from imports is expected to prevail until the central bank sorts out new regulations for derivatives, dealers said. Sri Lanka aims to raise $500 million this month via development bonds (SLDB), the central bank said on Monday, as the government faces unprecedented debt repayment this year.

Copyright Reuters, 2018