Sri Lanka welcomed 145,745 tourist arrivals in May 2026, according to the latest figures released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).
The increase comes despite disruptions to the global travel and tourism industry caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
India remained Sri Lanka’s largest source market during May, with 60,342 arrivals accounting for 41 percent of the total tourist arrivals for the month. The United Kingdom followed with 9,248 visitors, while China contributed 9,156 arrivals. Germany recorded 6,734 visitors and 6,414 tourists also arrived from China-based travel segments, according to SLTDA data.
The May 2026 figure represents an increase compared to the 132,919 tourist arrivals recorded in May 2025.
With the latest arrivals, Sri Lanka has surpassed the one-million mark for tourist arrivals in 2026, reaching a cumulative total of 1,022,022 visitors so far this year.
India continues to lead as the top source market with 250,260 arrivals, followed by the United Kingdom with 98,093 visitors and Russia with 76,073 arrivals, the SLTDA said.
Tourism remains one of Sri Lanka’s key foreign exchange earners, with authorities continuing efforts to attract more visitors and strengthen the sector’s recovery and growth.
