USD to LKR Exchange Rate Today
US Dollar to Sri Lankan Rupee conversion for Sri Lankan-American community. Track live USD/LKR rates for remittances, family support, or investments during economic recovery.
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Sending 1,000.00 USD → LKR
Mid-Market Rate
After Fees
Exchange rate: Real-time mid-market rate from OpenExchangeRates API. Transfer fees: Based on typical provider fees.Note: Providers may offer different exchange rates than the mid-market rate shown. Always check the provider's website for their actual exchange rate and final pricing before sending.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the US Dollar to Sri Lankan Rupee exchange rate?
The USD to LKR rate has experienced dramatic volatility, ranging from 200-360+ LKR per USD due to Sri Lanka's 2022 economic crisis and subsequent IMF program. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka moved from a managed peg to a floating exchange rate. Sri Lanka receives $7+ billion annually in remittances, with the US being a major source from the 40,000+ Sri Lankan-American community. Our converter updates every 30 minutes with current mid-market rates reflecting the evolving economic situation.
How can Sri Lankan-Americans send money to Sri Lanka?
Sri Lankan-Americans have multiple remittance options: Remitly (popular for Sri Lanka, bank/mobile transfers), Ria Money Transfer, Xoom, Western Union or MoneyGram (extensive agent network in Colombo, Kandy, Galle, and rural areas); direct bank transfers to Commercial Bank, Bank of Ceylon, Hatton National Bank, Sampath Bank; or increasingly, digital wallets. For sending to Colombo, Jaffna, Galle, or tea country, compare total LKR received—rate differences can be significant given rupee volatility.
Why did the Sri Lankan rupee collapse?
LKR's dramatic depreciation stemmed from: Sri Lanka's 2022 economic crisis with foreign debt default, severe forex shortage, high inflation (50-70% peak), unsustainable borrowing and trade deficits, tourism collapse (COVID/political unrest), and mismanaged monetary policy. The rupee lost 50%+ of value in 2022. IMF program conditions required floating the currency. For diaspora, this means far more rupees per dollar but reflects severe economic hardship back home requiring increased family support.
Do US banks offer good rates for Sri Lankan rupees?
No. US banks rarely handle LKR directly and charge $40-50 wire fees plus poor spreads—total cost often 5-8% or more. Dedicated Sri Lanka remittance services are far better: Remitly charges 1-3%, Ria/Western Union 3-5%, with delivery in hours to Sri Lankan banks or cash pickup. For the Sri Lankan-American community (concentrated in New York, New Jersey, California), specialized services save 50-70% compared to banks and provide faster delivery during family emergencies.
When is the best time to send dollars to Sri Lanka?
Los Angeles Sri Lankans sending $1,000 monthly maximize value when dollar exceeds LKR360, gaining LKR360K versus LKR320K—critical for Colombo families. US Sri Lankan community (50,000+, primarily California, New York) remits $500M annually. Rupee volatility (2022 crisis crashed from LKR200 to LKR370) creates opportunities. Timing $500 transfers at LKR350 versus LKR300 yields LKR25K monthly gains—valuable for California or NYC Sri Lankans supporting families through economic recovery, funding Colombo property, or covering medical expenses during IMF restructuring period.