Sri Lanka has surpassed one million international tourist arrivals before the end of May 2026 — the second consecutive year it has reached the milestone this early — according to Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tourism and Foreign Employment Vijitha Herath.
“Keeping the record-breaking success of last year, 2025, the number of foreign tourists arriving in the country has crossed the million mark before the end of May for the second consecutive year,” the Minister said, thanking industry stakeholders and visitors.
The achievement comes despite a softer first half. Sri Lanka recorded year-on-year declines in arrivals during March and April, which industry observers largely attributed to the Middle East conflict and related travel uncertainty weighing on global tourism flows.
India remained the leading source market in 2026, contributing more than 200,000 visitors so far this year, with the United Kingdom, Russia, China and Germany among the other top markets.
The country had crossed 950,000 arrivals by May 20 and neared the million mark at 990,032 on May 25, putting the milestone within reach before month-end. Earnings, however, have lagged volumes: April tourism revenue fell 39 percent year on year amid shorter stays and lower per-visitor spending. Herath announced the milestone while on an official visit to New Zealand.
