The Sri Lankan rupee on Tuesday touched an all-time low on dollar demand from importers, while exporter sales of the greenback were low due to extended holidays in corporate houses after the new year festival, dealers said. The rupee dropped 0.1 percent to 156.35 per dollar, surpassing its previous low of 156.20 hit on March 16. The currency closed at 156.35/45, weaker from the Monday's close of 156.05/15.
"The importer demand is there but not really major. The rupee is weaker due to the lower conversions (of exports and inward remittances) as most of the companies are still closed for New Year," said a currency dealer requesting anonymity.