Economy

Sri Lanka’s tourist arrivals surpass 2 million in 2024

Published

1 year ago

December 26, 2024

Sri Lanka has welcomed its 2 millionth tourist who arrived from Bangkok this year, at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), after a five-year gap.

This marks the fourth time in history that annual tourist arrivals have surpassed 2 million, with previous instances occurring in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe and Chairman of the Tourism Promotion Bureau Buddhika Hewawasam were at the airport to greet the milestone tourist.

A special ceremony was also organised by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau at the Silk Route Lounge of the BIA to mark the occasion.

According to statistics, 195,127 tourists have arrived in Sri Lanka in the first 26 days of December, with expectations to exceed 250,000 by December 31. February 2019 was the only month to have seen more than 250,000 tourist arrivals.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism said that the country’s tourism sector, which had been severely impacted by the 2019 Easter attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing economic crisis, is now experiencing rapid growth following the new government’s efforts.

The Ministry said that the government had addressed issues related to online visas for foreign tourists. In addition, steps have been taken to ensure the safety of tourists and resolve challenges faced by travel service providers.

According to the Ministry, a total of 515,192 tourists have visited Sri Lanka during the past three months.

Furthermore, the new government has introduced free visa facilities for citizens from 39 countries and is working towards its goal of attracting 3 million tourists by 2025.

Source – Daily Mirror

Economy

Sri Lanka records US$ 751.1 million in workers remittances in January 2026

Published

1 week ago

February 9, 2026

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Foreign worker remittances to Sri Lanka reached US$ 751.1 million in January 2026, marking a 31.1% rise from US$ 573.0 million in January 2025, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) said.

The robust start to 2026 comes after a record US$ 8.076 billion in total remittance inflows for 2025.

Economy

Nuwara Eliya Ranks Second on Agoda’s List of Must-Visit Hill Stations in Asia

Published

1 week ago

February 7, 2026

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Sri Lanka’s popular hill resort town Nuwara Eliya has been ranked second among Asia’s must-visit hill stations by digital travel platform Agoda, further strengthening the country’s appeal as a scenic travel destination.

Sri Lanka travel guide

Agoda featured Nuwara Eliya in a new travel list promoting highland destinations across Asia that offer cooler climates, natural beauty and peaceful surroundings for travellers seeking a break from busy city life.

Known as “Little England,” Nuwara Eliya attracts both local and foreign visitors with its tea plantations, colonial-era architecture, cool weather and scenic landscapes. Tourists frequently visit the area for its lakes, misty hills and opportunities for relaxation as well as outdoor activities.

Economy

Galle ranks fifth among top 10 honeymoon destinations for 2026

Published

4 weeks ago

January 20, 2026

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Galle has been placed fifth among the world’s top 10 honeymoon destinations for 2026 in the latest rankings released by Tripadvisor.

The ranking forms part of Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2026 and is based solely on the volume and quality of traveller reviews submitted over a 12-month period.

Tripadvisor said the list reflects destinations that consistently received strong feedback from honeymoon travellers worldwide.

Beach and island destinations dominate the upper end of the 2026 rankings. Bali secured the top position, followed by Mauritius and the Maldives, with St. Lucia ranked fourth. Galle placed fifth, ahead of several established long-haul honeymoon favourites.

Tripadvisor noted that Galle’s appeal lies in its blend of heritage and coastal experiences. Founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Galle Fort remains a key attraction, with preserved ramparts, historic buildings, and walkable streets.