Wednesday Mar 04, 2026
Wednesday Mar 04, 2026
Wednesday, 4 March 2026 00:26 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Charumini de Silva
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has stormed into 2026 with record-breaking momentum, welcoming 279,328 visitors in February, whilst recording the highest monthly arrival figure ever in the country’s history.
The figure surpasses the previous highest monthly figure of 253,169 recorded in December 2018 and edges past 252,033 in February 2019 as well as 277,327 arrivals in January 2026, which were boosted by the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup tournament matches in Colombo.
February’s performance marked a 16.3% year-on-year (YoY) increase, pushing the year-to-date (YTD) figure to 556,655, reflecting a 13% YoY rise, underscoring a powerful recovery trend after years of economic and global disruptions.
Industry analysts said February’s milestone reinforces Sri Lanka’s resurgence as a preferred destination, with strong connectivity, sporting events, and renewed global confidence driving the island’s most impressive tourism performance to date.
Average daily arrivals during February stood at 9,976 visitors from 8,579 in the same period last year, reflecting sustained demand. The highest single-day inflow for the year so far was recorded on 12 February, when 12,731 tourists arrived ahead of the much-anticipated India–Pakistan T20 clash, including several high-net-worth cricket enthusiasts arriving in Colombo via private jets.
Weekly data reflected consistent strength with 70,355 arrivals in the first week of February, followed by 77,871 in the second week, 71,101 in the third, and 60,001 in the final week of the month.
India retained its position as Sri Lanka’s largest source market contributing 47,679 visitors or 17% of total arrivals in February. The UK followed with 30,788 visitors (11%), while Russia registered 23,099 arrivals (8%). Other key source markets included Germany (22,566), China (20,180), France (17,174), Poland (10,467), Australia (10,000), the US (8,228), and the Netherlands (6,146).
Year-to-date arrivals from India recorded a strong 18% YoY increase to 99,740, while the UK market expanded to 60,328, Russia with 50,233, Germany with 40,342 and China with 34,183. The data reflects evolving travel patterns and continued diversification across European and Asian markets.
Despite the upbeat start, industry stakeholders caution that March arrivals may face headwinds due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, resulting in airspace closures and flight cancellations that could temporarily disrupt inbound travel flows.
