Workers' remittances record highest-ever January inflow

SRI Lanka’s workers’ remittances surged to a new high in February, with monthly inflows rising 33% year-on-year (YoY) to $ 729 million, extending the streak of record inflows for the second consecutive month, as per latest Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) data.

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• Feb. inflows surge to $ 729 m, up 33% YoY; surpass previous high of $598.08 m in Feb. 2018

• First two months' remittances exceed $ 1.48 b, up 32% YoY

The performance in February 2026 surpassed the previous monthly peak of $ 598.08 million registered in 2018 by 22%. The surge underscores the continued resilience of Sri Lankan expatriates, whose remittances remain the single largest source of foreign exchange for the economy.

This also marks the fifth highest monthly inflow in the country's history behind $879.09 million in December 2025, $812.73 in December 2020, $751.13 million in January 2026, and $ 729.35 in January 2018.

However, February experienced a mere 3% dedine compared with January, reflecting seasonal variations in transfers.