June 08, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka recorded a substantial increase in foreign remittances from overseas workers during May 2026, highlighting the continued contribution of migrant employment to the country’s external finances.
According to the latest figures released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, remittance inflows for the month reached USD 847 million, representing a significant improvement compared with the corresponding month a year earlier. In May 2025, the country received USD 641.7 million through official remittance channels, indicating a year-on-year increase of more than USD 200 million.
The strong performance has also contributed to a notable rise in cumulative earnings from overseas workers during the first five months of the year. Between January and May 2026, total remittances amounted to USD 3.90 billion, reflecting robust growth compared with the same period in the previous year.
Economic analysts view the upward trend as a positive development for Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange position, as remittances remain one of the country’s most reliable sources of external income. The increase is expected to support currency stability, strengthen foreign reserves and ease pressure on the balance of payments.
With remittance inflows recording an increase of approximately 26 per cent during the first five months of the year, the sector remains a key pillar of the country’s economic recovery efforts.