Sri Lankan rupee edges up

The Sri Lankan rupee ended 0.1 percent firmer on Friday as dollar sales by a private bank helped boost the local currency amid continued demand for the greenback from importers, dealers said. The rupee closed at 143.75/85 per dollar, up from Thursday's close of 143.90/95. It hit a record low of 144.30 on Monday. "Rupee is trading firmer on bank dollar sales. But it is still under pressure due to import demand. A private bank sold dollars at 143.80 in the morning and then reduced to 143.75 later. That helped the rupee to strengthen," said a currency dealer on condition of anonymity.