The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) reports that 33,910 international tourists arrived in the country during the first week of May 2025—a significant increase compared to the same period in previous years.
According to the latest data, total tourist arrivals for the year have reached 930,794 as of May 7. Despite an anticipated seasonal decline in visitors from Western countries following the end of the winter travel season, Sri Lanka continues to welcome an average of 5,000 tourists per day.
Year-on-year figures show consistent growth in early May arrivals: 18,761 in 2023, 28,526 in 2024, and a sharp rise to 33,910 in 2025.
Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka reports that tourism earnings for the January to April 2025 period have risen to USD 1,379 million—reflecting a 10.2% increase compared to USD 1,251.6 million recorded during the same period in 2024.
Tourism earnings for April 2025 alone are estimated at USD 646.1 million, according to Central Bank data.
