COLOMBO, Sept 7 (ePRESS) – Sri Lanka’s tourism industry reached a major milestone in 2025, with earnings surpassing USD 2 billion for the first time this year by the end of August. Official data showed revenue of USD 2,031.1 million, up 7.8 percent from USD 1,884.9 million recorded during the same period in 2024.
However, August itself showed a slight dip compared to last year. Tourism income in August 2025 stood at USD 318.5 million, down from USD 328.3 million in August 2024. Despite this monthly slowdown, the overall performance remains strong.
Tourist arrivals have continued to climb, with 164,609 visitors recorded in August 2025, reflecting a 20.4 percent increase from the same month last year. Cumulative arrivals at the end of August reached 1,566,523.
India remained the top source market, sending 325,595 visitors. The United Kingdom followed with 151,141, while the Russian Federation contributed 118,916. Germany (97,644) and China (91,063) rounded off the top five.
Industry officials pointed out that the free visa policy first introduced by former Tourism Minister Harin Fernando, and continued by the present government, played a key role in boosting arrivals.
With tourism seen as a critical driver of foreign exchange, the record earnings mark a positive sign for Sri Lanka’s economy as it recovers from recent challenges.
