Sri Lanka has recorded its highest-ever January tourist arrivals, welcoming 277,327 visitors in January 2026, surpassing last year’s record of 252,761 arrivals. This milestone marks a strong and promising start to what is expected to be a record-breaking year for the country’s tourism sector.
Commenting on this achievement, the Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman stated:
“This remarkable milestone reflects the strength and resilience of our tourism industry. Despite many challenges, including the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, we remained committed to recovery and growth. In 2025, we proudly recorded 2,362,521 arrivals, and this strong start to 2026 confirms that we are firmly on the path of sustainable progress. With the continued support of our people and strong teamwork across all sectors, I am confident that we can achieve even greater success this year. As an island nation, the aviation sector continues to play a vital role in driving this growth.”
The record-breaking January performance highlights Sri Lanka’s growing appeal as a preferred travel destination and reflects the collective efforts of tourism stakeholders, government institutions, and the public in rebuilding and strengthening the industry.
