The number of foreign tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka dropped by 19.7% year-on-year to 183,979 in March 2026, reversing a 16.2% increase in the previous month. This marked the lowest number of arrivals in five months and the first yearly decrease since November 2021. Still, the figures indicate sustained travel interest, with regional markets particularly India, playing a key role in supporting Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery. India remained the top source market, contributing 47,533 visitors during the month and accounting for 26% of total arrivals, continuing its strong position as the leading inbound tourism driver for the island. This was followed by the United Kingdom (18,092), Russia (15,685), China (14,064), Germany (13,429), and Australia (11,197). The total number of tourist arrivals recorded from January 1 to March 31, 2026, reached a cumulative figure of 740,634, 2.5% higher compared to the same period last year. source: Ceylon Tourist Board

Tourist Arrivals in Sri Lanka decreased to 183979 in March from 279328 in February of 2026. Tourist Arrivals in Sri Lanka averaged 59826.00 from 1977 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 279328.00 in February of 2026 and a record low of 0.00 in April of 2020. This page provides - Sri Lanka Tourist Arrivals - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news. Sri Lanka Tourist Arrivals - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on April of 2026.



Calendar GMT Reference Actual Previous Consensus TEForecast
2026-03-06 12:30 AM
Tourist Arrivals YoY
Feb 16.2% 9.7%
2026-04-09 12:15 AM
Tourist Arrivals YoY
Mar -19.7% 16.2%
2026-05-12 01:00 AM
Tourist Arrivals YoY
Apr -19.7%


Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Balance of Trade -776.00 -654.60 USD Million Feb 2026
Current Account -134.00 409.00 USD Million Dec 2025
Current Account to GDP 1.20 1.70 percent of GDP Dec 2024
Exports 1057.80 1148.70 USD Million Feb 2026
Exports by Category
Exports by Country
External Debt 54806.79 53748.41 USD Million Dec 2025
Foreign Direct Investment 496.43 242.11 USD Million Dec 2025
Gold Reserves 0.47 0.47 Tonnes Jun 2025
Imports 1833.80 1803.30 USD Million Feb 2026
Imports by Category
Imports by Country
Remittances 729.00 751.10 USD Million Feb 2026
Terms of Trade 104.40 87.29 points Feb 2026
Terrorism Index 0.00 0.00 Points Dec 2025
Tourism Revenues 352.00 378.30 USD Million Feb 2026
Tourist Arrivals YoY 183979.00 279328.00 Mar 2026


Sri Lanka Tourist Arrivals
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
183979.00 279328.00 279328.00 0.00 1977 - 2026 Monthly

News Stream
Sri Lanka Tourist Arrivals Drop in March
The number of foreign tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka dropped by 19.7% year-on-year to 183,979 in March 2026, reversing a 16.2% increase in the previous month. This marked the lowest number of arrivals in five months and the first yearly decrease since November 2021. Still, the figures indicate sustained travel interest, with regional markets particularly India, playing a key role in supporting Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery. India remained the top source market, contributing 47,533 visitors during the month and accounting for 26% of total arrivals, continuing its strong position as the leading inbound tourism driver for the island. This was followed by the United Kingdom (18,092), Russia (15,685), China (14,064), Germany (13,429), and Australia (11,197). The total number of tourist arrivals recorded from January 1 to March 31, 2026, reached a cumulative figure of 740,634, 2.5% higher compared to the same period last year.
2026-04-09
Sri Lanka Tourist Arrivals Hit New Record Peak
The number of foreign tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka climbed 16.2% year-on-year to a new record high of 279,328 in February 2026, accelerating from a 9.7% rise in the previous month. Daily data showed that February 12 marked the highest single-day arrivals of the month, with 12,731 visitors, reflecting the country’s effective tourism development measures. Of the top-ranking tourist sources, India remained Sri Lanka's largest inbound market in the month, contributing 47,679 tourists and accounting for 17% of total arrivals, reinforcing strong cultural and regional ties. Other key contributors included Britain (11%), Russia (8%), Germany (8%), and China (7%). Considering the first two months of the year, foreign tourist arrivals grew by 12.9% compared to the same period last year, reaching a total of 556,655.
2026-03-06
Sri Lanka Tourist Arrivals Hit Record High
The number of foreign tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka rose by 9.7% year-on-year to an all-time high of 277,327 in January 2026, surpassing previous winter-season records, including 253,169 arrivals in December 2018 and 258,928 in December 2025. The strong performance suggested the winter season peaked later and stronger than usual, as the month outperformed December 2025, defying the typical holiday-driven pattern. India remained the largest source market, contributing 52,061 tourists, up 20% year-on-year and accounting for 19% of total arrivals. The Russian Federation, despite remaining the second-largest source market with 29,540 arrivals, saw a contraction of 13.4% compared to a year ago. The UK rose to third place with 27,134 visitors, up 24.9%. Tourism authorities have set a 2026 target of 3 million visitors, and January’s figure already accounts for about 9.2% of that goal, offering a solid start to the year.
2026-02-06