Dec. workers' remittances hit all-time high

Dec. inflows surge to $ 879 m, up 43.2% YoY; highest monthly inflow in history Annual inflows surpass 2016 peak of $ 7.24 b to $ 8.07 b, up by 12% Fewer workers migrated in 2025, but higher per-worker transfers drove inflows higher

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SRI Lanka's workers' remittances surged to unprecedented levels in 2025, delivering a crucial boost to the country's external finances as the economy continues its post-crisis recovery.

December inflows soared to a historic high of $ 879.1 million, a sharp 43.2% year-on-year (YoY) increase, pushing total remittances for the year past $ 8.07 billion, marking a 23% YoY increase and the strongest annual performance in the country's history.

The performance marks the strongest annual inflow on record, underscoring renewed confidence in formal remittance channels and cementing migrant worker earnings as the country's single largest source of foreign exchange.