Sri Lanka, after a three-month-long decline in tourist arrivals, bounced back strongly by welcoming 145,745 visitors in May, despite tensions in the Middle East, high airfares, and a reduced number of flights operating to the country.

India remained Sri Lanka’s top tourism source market from January 1 to June 4, 2026, contributing 256,561 visitors. The United Kingdom followed with 99,127 arrivals, while the Russian Federation accounted for 76,228 visitors.

China moved up from fifth to fourth place among the leading source markets with 60,806 arrivals, overtaking Germany, which recorded 56,463 visitors. France contributed 49,687 tourists, followed by Australia with 49,520, the United States with 29,477, Poland with 22,956, and the Netherlands with 20,080 arrivals.

The May 2026 arrival figure reflected a 9.65% increase compared to 132,919 tourist arrivals recorded in May 2025. Total tourist arrivals from January 1 to June 4, 2026, now stand at 1,037,343, while arrivals from June 1 to 4 reached 15,321.