The Sri Lankan rupee edged lower on Thursday as importer dollar demand surpassed mild greenback sales by exporters, dealers said, a day ahead of 2016 budget presentation. Dealers said nobody was trading below 142.35, a level which is seen as the central bank's desired level, despite importer dollar demand. The rupee closed at 142.35/55 per dollar, edging down from Wednesday's close of 142.25/30.
Dealers also said investors were waiting for cues from the new government's first full-year budget on Friday. The rupee has fallen 7.87 percent so far this year and 5.34 percent since the central bank allowed free-float on September 4.