The spot rupee ended at 152.90/153.00 per dollar, compared with Tuesday's close of 153.05/15.

"There were some exporter (dollar) conversions and inward remittances," said a currency dealer.

"The import demand is very low."

The rupee has lost 2.3 percent so far this year, but currency dealers say dollar demand has slightly waned, lending support to the domestic currency.

The market has been waiting for more clarity over a foreign exchange management act introduced by the government last month.

Foreign investors have net bought equities worth 18.34 billion Sri Lankan rupees ($119.87 million) this year as of Wednesday's close. They had bought government securities worth a net 62.4 billion rupees as of Dec. 13, official data showed.