Sri Lanka’s expenditure on foreign travel increased by 62.4% during the first nine months of 2026 compared to the corresponding period last year, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
The latest External Sector Performance report revealed that spending on travel abroad reached US$ 937.2 million during January–September 2026, compared to US$ 577 million during the same period in 2025.
In September alone, foreign travel expenditure increased by 64.9% to US$ 122 million, compared to US$ 74 million in September last year.
The sharp increase in overseas travel spending contributed to higher services-related outflows during the month.
According to the Central Bank, total services outflows increased by 36.7% to US$ 440.8 million in September, compared to US$ 322.4 million a year earlier.
As a result, Sri Lanka’s services account surplus declined by 34.3% to US$ 119 million in September.
The cumulative services account surplus also declined by 22.3% to US$ 2.21 billion during the first nine months of 2026.
The Central Bank attributed the reduction in the services surplus mainly to increased payments for travel and air transport services, which outpaced growth in services inflows. (Newswire)