Sri Lanka’s Tourism Earnings Decline 11.9% as Remittances Continue to Strengthen

Sri Lanka’s tourism earnings declined by 11.9% year-on-year during the first five months of 2026, according to the latest figures released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).

From January to May 2026, the tourism sector generated USD 1.36 billion in foreign exchange earnings, compared to USD 1.54 billion recorded during the same period in 2025.

In May 2026 alone, tourism revenue fell to USD 155.7 million, slightly lower than the USD 164.1 million reported in May 2025. Industry observers point out that although tourist arrivals have remained relatively stable, changes in average daily spending estimates and lower per-capita tourist expenditure have contributed to the decline in reported earnings.

Meanwhile, workers’ remittances continued to show strong growth, offering important support to Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange inflows. During the first five months of 2026, remittances from Sri Lankans employed overseas rose to USD 3.91 billion, up from USD 3.10 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.

The increase in remittances has helped provide a significant cushion to the country’s external sector, even as tourism earnings showed a slowdown during the period.