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Sri Lanka Earns USD 2.24 Billion from Tourism in First Nine Months of 2026
Sri Lanka records USD 2.24 billion in tourism revenue and nearly 1.7 million international arrivals during the first nine months of 2026, with India leading arrivals.
Sri Lanka generated USD 2,245.2 million in tourism revenue during the first nine months of 2026, welcoming 1,693,679 international visitors, according to figures attributed to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.
September alone contributed USD 185.6 million in tourism revenue, slightly above the USD 182.9 million recorded in September 2025.
India remained Sri Lanka's largest tourist source market, contributing 437,414 visitors, representing 25.8% of total arrivals. The United Kingdom followed with 160,727 visitors, while China, Germany and Australia also remained important markets.
Despite strong performance from India and several Asia-Pacific markets, total tourist arrivals declined by 1.8% compared with the same period in 2025.
As Sri Lanka enters its October-to-March tourism season, improved air connectivity, international promotional campaigns and visa facilitation initiatives are expected to support visitor arrivals and tourism revenue.
The figures highlight the importance of strengthening international tourism promotion and attracting higher-value visitors.