Economy

Tourist arrivals in May likely to surpass 100,000: Analysts

Published

2 years ago

May 27, 2024

Despite being a slow month, tourist arrivals are expected to exceed 100,000 by the end of May, according to industry analysts. This influx is set to push the cumulative number of tourists closer to 900,000 for the year.

As of May 21, a total of 79,431 tourists had arrived, bringing the total for the year to 864,082. The daily average number of tourists was recorded at 3,782.

Analysts said that if Sri Lanka maintains the current daily average for the rest of May, the month would see over 100,000 tourist arrivals despite being off-season. During the last phase of the winter season, Sri Lanka attracted over 200,000 tourists per month.

So far in May, the top three markets generating tourists were India, the Maldives, and Germany. Additionally, visitors from the UK, China, Australia, Russia, France, the US, and Canada contributed to the month’s arrivals.

On a year-to-date (YTD) basis, India, Russia, and the UK have emerged as the leading sources of tourists for Sri Lanka.

“The steady influx of tourists is a positive indicator for the country’s tourism industry, which continues to recover and grow despite facing challenges,” analysts added.

For 2024, Sri Lanka Tourism expects to attract over 2.3 million visitors and generate an income of over $4 billion.

Economy

Vehicle imports generate Rs. 512.5 billion in tax revenue

Published

1 day ago

September 8, 2026

admin

Sri Lanka imported 316,000 vehicles during the first six months of 2026, generating Rs. 512.547 billion in tax revenue, according to officials from Sri Lanka Customs.

The figures were revealed during a review of the operations and revenue performance of Sri Lanka Customs by the Parliamentary Committee on Ways and Means.

Of the total tax revenue generated through vehicle imports, motor vehicles imports accounted for the largest share, contributing Rs. 386.726 billion.

Petrol-powered cars with engine capacities below 1,000cc emerged as the highest revenue-generating category, contributing Rs. 137.4 billion in Customs revenue. This represented 9.96% of total Customs revenue.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Customs recorded total revenue of Rs. 1.379 trillion by June 30, 2026, against an expected revenue of Rs. 1.061 trillion for the period, representing 130% of the targeted revenue.

Officials informed the committee that customs revenue had exceeded monthly targets throughout the year and had recorded higher revenue compared with the corresponding months of 2025.

Economy

Rs. 5.8bn World Bank-backed project to rehabilitate 296 irrigation tanks

Published

3 days ago

September 6, 2026

admin

Sri Lanka has begun rehabilitating 296 minor irrigation tanks under a World Bank-funded programme aimed at strengthening irrigation infrastructure and improving climate resilience.

More than Rs. 5.8 billion has been allocated for the work under the Integrated Rurban Development and Climate Resilience Project (IRDCRP), which is planned to continue until 2029.

Of the 296 tanks, 290 are located across 18 districts and were damaged by Cyclone Ditwah. About Rs. 5.58 billion has been allocated for their rehabilitation under the project’s Contingent Emergency Response Component.

The largest number of affected tanks is in Badulla, where 97 are being rehabilitated, followed by Ratnapura with 29, Mannar with 24 and Kurunegala with 19. Fifteen tanks each are being rehabilitated in Kandy and Vavuniya.

A further six minor irrigation tanks in Polonnaruwa, Hambantota and Jaffna are also being rehabilitated at a cost of about Rs. 256.2 million.

Economy

Sri Lanka exports to India grow 7.2% to USD 669mn in first seven months

Published

5 days ago

September 4, 2026

admin

Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports to India increased by 7.22% year-on-year during the first seven months of 2026, reaching US$669.36 million, according to data from the Export Development Board (EDB).

Exports to India during the January-July period rose from US$624.31 million recorded during the corresponding period of 2025.

In July alone, exports to India increased by 9.12% year-on-year to US$129.51 million, compared with US$118.69 million in July 2025.

The EDB said the cumulative growth in exports to India was mainly supported by increased shipments of boilers, piston engines, pumps and vacuum pumps, petroleum oils, animal feed and base metal products.

The growth also came amid a broader expansion in Sri Lanka’s exports to the South Asian region.

Exports to South Asian markets increased by 11.98% year-on-year to US$916.55 million during the January-July 2026 period.