Sri Lankan rupee forwards ended slightly firmer on Tuesday as inflows into some banks offset importer dollar demand, though dealers said unusual year-end demand for the greenback from importers still weighed on the currency. Four-day forwards, which were actively traded, closed at 132.05/15 per dollar, up from Monday's 132.15/30. "There were inflows into a couple of banks. So the rupee rose. But we still see strong demand for dollars from importers," said a currency dealer.
Rupee forwards have been maintained around 132.00 throughout December as the central bank defended the currency through moral suasion. Three-day forwards also closed at 132.05/15 per dollar, up from Monday's close of 132.15/30. Dealers said the three-day forwards were not actively traded on Tuesday. The spot currency was not traded.