The Sri Lankan economy grew by 5.5 percent in the third quarter of 2024, according to the latest statistics released by the country's central bank on Friday.    
According to the central bank, the agriculture activities grew by 3 percent, industry activities by 10.8 percent and service activities by 2.6 percent.    
Despite a year-on-year reduction in tea production in October 2024, the total production between January and October recorded a marginal growth. Rubber production showed steady improvement, achieving a notable year-on-year increase in October, according to the central bank.    
Coconut production continues to trend downward, experiencing a year-on-year decline over the first ten months of 2024, said the central bank.    
During the year up to Dec. 20, the Sri Lankan rupee appreciated against the U.S. dollar by 10.7 percent, the central bank added. – Xinhua/RSS