By: Isuru Parakrama
October 12, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s foreign currency earnings from expatriate workers have climbed significantly, with remittances reaching US$6.865 billion during the first nine months of 2026.
Figures released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) indicate that the total represents an increase of US$1.054 billion compared with the US$5.812 billion received between January and September last year, highlighting the growing contribution of Sri Lankans employed overseas to the country’s foreign exchange inflows.
Monthly figures also recorded an improvement in September. Money sent home by overseas workers reached US$734.4 million, compared with US$695.7 million during the same month in 2025.
The latest figures indicate that remittances continue to provide an important source of foreign currency for Sri Lanka, helping households meet living expenses while supporting the country’s external financial position.
The sustained increase also underlines the economic significance of Sri Lankan workers abroad, whose earnings contribute to family incomes and the wider economy through money transferred back home.
While the figures show a positive year-on-year trend, the longer-term impact will depend on whether the country can maintain these inflows and translate them into broader economic stability and growth.
