Sri Lanka Tourist Arrivals Hit New Record Peak

The number of foreign tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka dropped by 22.3% year-on-year to 135,643 in April 2026, following a 19.7% fall in the previous month. This marked the lowest number of arrivals since May last year and the second consecutive yearly decline. Still, the country’s tourism sector showed signs of steady growth with the number foreign tourist arrivals reaching a total of 904,855 from January 1 through May 6. Among key source markets, India remained the top source market, contributing 42,645 visitors in April and accounting for 31% of total arrivals, continuing its strong position as the leading inbound tourism driver for the island. This was followed by China (8%), UK (8%), Australia (7%), and Russia (5%). On a monthly basis, foreign tourist arrivals fell by 26.3%.

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.

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.