COLOMBO, Aug 30, 2025 (ePRESS) – Sri Lanka crossed the halfway mark of its ambitious target of three million tourist arrivals for 2025, with more than 1.5 million visitors recorded by the end of August, official data showed.
According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, total arrivals stood at 1,547,257 by August 27. For the month of August alone, the country welcomed 178,969 visitors.
However, the daily arrival average, which was around 8,000 earlier in the month, slipped to about 4,000 towards the end, reflecting the peak of the off-season.
India continued to be the top source market with 41,580 visitors in August, accounting for 23.2% of arrivals. The United Kingdom followed with 18,432 (10.3%), while Italy brought in 11,869 (6.6%). China showed strong growth, moving up to the fourth spot with 11,451 arrivals (6.4%), ahead of Germany with 11,250 (6.3%).
Tourism officials said the steady pickup in Chinese arrivals was an encouraging sign, as Sri Lanka works to attract more long-haul visitors and reach the three million target this year.
