Sri Lanka Tourism Earnings Reach US$1.54 Billion in First Five Months of 2025

Sri Lanka tourism climbs steadily, building momentum for sustainable growth

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has recorded earnings of US$1.54 billion in the first five months of 2025, reflecting a 9.8 percent increase from the US$1.40 billion achieved during the same period last year, according to provisional figures from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Tourist arrivals reached 1.03 million between January and May, up from 896,779 in 2024. January set the tone with the highest monthly earnings so far this year at US$400.7 million, marking a 17.2 percent rise from a year earlier. Growth steadied in February and March with respective increases of 6.3 percent and 4.6 percent, while April and May also posted gains of 13.7 percent and 6.5 percent.

Sri Lanka’s performance reflects steady resilience, with opportunities to further boost competitiveness and enhance per-visitor spending as the sector grows. Hospitality groups like Mandara Hotels & Resorts highlight how quality resorts in Sri Lanka continue to support this recovery.