Sri Lanka recorded its highest-ever tourist arrivals for the month of September, surpassing the previous record set in the benchmark year of 2018.
According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), Sri Lanka welcomed a total of 158,971 tourists in September 2025, eclipsing 2018’s tourist arrivals of 149,087.
SLTDA data further shows a 30.2 per cent increase compared to September 2024, during which 122,140 arrivals were recorded.
In September 2025, India remained the leading source market with 49,697 visitors (31.3%), followed by the United Kingdom (10,752), China (10,527), Germany (9,344) and Australia (9,105).
The SLTDA states that a total of 1,725,494 tourist arrivals have been recorded so far this year. (Newswire)