Sri Lanka Records US$2.24 Billion in Tourism Earnings in First Nine Months
COLOMBO, October 19, 2026 — Sri Lanka generated US$2.245 billion in tourism earnings during the first nine months of 2026, although revenue from the sector declined compared with the corresponding period last year, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
The latest CBSL figures show that tourism earnings from January to September totalled US$2,245.2 million, down from US$2,472.9 million recorded during the same period in 2025.
The year-on-year decline highlights a reduction in tourism revenue despite the continued arrival of international visitors, underscoring the importance of earnings performance alongside tourist arrivals in assessing the sector’s contribution to the economy.
In September alone, tourism earnings reached US$185.6 million, marking a slight increase from the US$182.9 million recorded in September 2025.
Sri Lanka welcomed 1,693,679 tourists between January and September 2026, contributing to foreign exchange inflows during the period.
Tourism remains an important source of foreign currency for Sri Lanka, supporting businesses across accommodation, transport, food services and other tourism-related industries.
The latest figures highlight the need to monitor both visitor arrivals and tourism receipts, as revenue performance remains a key factor in determining the sector’s contribution to the country’s external earnings and broader economic activity.
