Sri Lanka’s tourism industry continues to show strong growth, with tourist arrivals increasing by 23.2% in the first 26 days of March 2025 compared to the same period last year. According to data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, the country welcomed 191,982 visitors during this period.
Year-to-date arrivals have also seen a significant rise, reaching 684,960—an increase of 17.6% compared to the previous year. This upward trend reflects the growing appeal of Sri Lanka as a travel destination.
India remains the top source of tourist arrivals, contributing 32,879 visitors, accounting for 17.1% of total arrivals. The Russian Federation follows with 25,869 visitors (13.5%), while the United Kingdom ranks third with 17,453 visitors (9.1%). Germany is the fourth-largest market with 15,864 visitors (8.3%), followed by France with 13,651 visitors (7.0%) and China with 8,869 visitors (4.6%).
Cumulatively, from January to March 26, India retained its position as the leading source market with 111,982 arrivals. The Russian Federation followed with 90,255 visitors, while the UK secured third place with 64,711 arrivals.
The consistent growth in tourist numbers highlights Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to boost its tourism sector, with a focus on attracting diverse markets and enhancing visitor experiences.
