The Sri Lankan rupee closed steady on Tuesday as dollar demand from importers offset selling of the greenback by exporters late in the day, even as dealers said rising imports and selling of rupee bonds by foreign investors weighed on the currency. Pressure on the rupee could ease if the country's central bank announces a hike in key rates on Friday after a monetary policy board meeting late on Thursday, they said. Rupee forwards were active, with two-week forwards ending at 152.40/45 per dollar, nearly unchanged from Monday's close of 152.40/60.