Worker remittances rise 26.5% in first quarter

Remittances sent home by migrant workers surged 26.5% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period a year earlier, according to the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, citing data from the Central Bank.

Total inflows reached $2.294 billion between January and March 2026, up from $1.815 billion recorded in the corresponding months of 2025.

On a monthly basis, remittances stood at $751 million in January, $729 million in February and $815 million in March, the data showed.

The bureau attributed the growth to rising financial confidence and increased use of formal remittance channels, supported by government measures.