Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has recorded a historic milestone, with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) reporting 145,745 international arrivals in May 2026, the highest ever recorded for that month.

According to SLTDA data, this represents a 9.6% increase compared to May 2025, which recorded 132,919 tourist arrivals.

India remained the leading source market, contributing 60,342 visitors, followed by the United Kingdom (9,248), China (9,156), Germany (6,734), and Australia (6,414).

Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath described the achievement as a major turning point for the tourism industry, highlighting the strong recovery in recent years.

He noted that arrivals have risen sharply from just 1,497 in May 2021 to nearly 150,000 in May 2026, crediting stability, security, and improved policy direction for the growth.

The Minister also thanked international travellers for choosing Sri Lanka, referring to the country as the “Paradise Island.”