Sri Lanka records highest-ever workers' remittances at $7.8 b in 2025

Remittances grow 19% YoY and exceed previous 2016 record of $7.24 b by 8%. Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Minister Vijitha Herath states Middle Eastern countries remain largest source of inflows, alongside growing contributions from Asia, Europe, and the US Deputy Minister. Arun Hemachandra says over 310,000 skilled and semi-skilled workers left SL in 2025 Notes remittance growth continues despite a 1.2% YoY drop in outbound migrant workers in 2025

-  -Pixby Lasantha Kumara

SRI Lanka's workers' remittances surged to a historic high of an estimated $7.8 billion in 2025, marking the largest annual inflow ever recorded and underscoring a strong post-crisis recovery in external foreign exchange earnings.

Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath announced the milestone yesterday, noting that the figure surpasses the previous decade-high of $ 7.24 billion achieved in 2016.

The 2025 performance reflects an 8% increase over that earlier record and a robust 19% year-onyear (YoY) growth, despite the Central Bank yet to formally confirm December inflows.

"December remittances are estimated at between $ 650 million and $ 700 million, which would lift total inflows for the year to around $7.8 billion," Herath said.