Sri Lankan rupee ends steady

The Sri Lankan rupee ended steady on Thursday as dollar sales by a private bank were offset by demand for the greenback from importers, dealers said. The rupee closed at 143.90/95 per dollar, little changed from Wednesday's close of 143.90/144.00. It hit a record low of 144.30 on Monday. "A private bank was selling dollars at 143.90 and that helped the rupee to end steady despite importer dollar demand," said a currency dealer on condition of anonymity. Some dealers said the private bank could have sold dollars on behalf of the central bank. Officials at the central bank were not available for comment.