June 15, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has continued to witness steady growth in tourist arrivals this year, with almost 44,000 international visitors having entered the country in the first half of June alone.
Figures released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) indicate that 43,962 travellers arrived during this two-week period, adding momentum to what appears to be a robust recovery for the island’s tourism sector.
India remains the leading contributor to inbound tourism, accounting for 12,362 arrivals in June so far—approximately 28.1 per cent of the total. This figure not only highlights the enduring importance of Sri Lanka’s neighbour as a tourism partner but also reflects the broader trend of regional travel resurgence following years of pandemic-related disruption.
Other significant source markets include the United Kingdom with 3,740 arrivals, followed by Bangladesh (2,717), Germany (2,439), and China (2,403), indicating a diverse range of traveller interest from both within Asia and across Europe.
These figures underscore the country’s ongoing appeal as a multi-faceted destination catering to beachgoers, cultural tourists, and nature enthusiasts alike.
The cumulative number of foreign visitors to Sri Lanka for the year 2025 now stands at 1,073,765—a notable achievement considering the global headwinds still affecting the travel industry, including inflationary pressures, fluctuating fuel costs, and geopolitical tensions in key markets.
India again tops the list of countries sending the highest number of visitors to Sri Lanka this year, with 216,422 Indian nationals recorded as having entered the country so far. Russia follows with 111,285 visitors, reflecting a continued interest in Sri Lanka among Russian travellers, particularly during their colder months. The United Kingdom ranks third, contributing 100,014 tourists so far in 2025.
Officials have also indicated an increased focus on improving visitor experience, ranging from streamlined visa services to enhanced security and cleanliness at major tourist hotspots. Stakeholders in the tourism sector are optimistic that this year could surpass previous recovery benchmarks, further cementing the industry’s role as a crucial pillar of the national economy.
