Sri Lanka is aiming to attract 3 million tourist arrivals in 2026, a senior official said on Monday, following a record 2.36 million arrivals last year, as the country looks to boost revenue and support recovery efforts after Cyclone Ditwah.
Renowned for its pristine beaches, ancient temples, and Ceylon tea, tourism is Sri Lanka’s second-largest foreign exchange earner, generating revenues of $3.2 billion in 2025.
The new target represents a 27% increase over the previous year and is expected to contribute significantly to economic recovery following Cyclone Ditwah, which struck the island at the end of November, killing 645 people. Foreign Affairs and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath said tourism growth would help communities recover from the disaster.
According to World Bank estimates, torrential rains and hundreds of landslides damaged more than 110,000 houses, along with key roads, railways, and bridges, causing losses of approximately $4.1 billion.
Economic growth projections for 2026 have also been revised. While growth was initially forecast at 3.1%, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reduced its estimate to 2.9% in December. An IMF delegation is expected to visit Colombo this month to conduct the fifth review of Sri Lanka’s $2.9 billion assistance programme.
“We are proud that Sri Lanka still managed to record its highest-ever tourism numbers. We are hopeful that tourism revenue will continue to grow and support our economy at a crucial time,” Minister Herath told reporters.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is targeting around $500 million in tourism sector investments in 2026, after securing $329 million through 126 projects last year, according to Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.
Source: Reuters
