Sri Lanka’s tourism sector continues its robust recovery in 2025, registering over 10.5 lakh international tourist arrivals by April, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). India remains the top contributor, accounting for 2,10,074 visitors, followed by Russia (1,10,818) and the UK (98,158).
The upward trend continued in May, with 1,32,919 foreign arrivals, marking an 18.5% increase over May 2024. Early data from June shows 21,293 arrivals in just the first five days, with India again leading at 6,014 tourists, forming 28.2% of the total footfall.
Other notable contributors to June’s numbers include 1,884 UK citizens, 1,277 Chinese nationals, and 1,173 Bangladeshis. India’s strong presence is driven by cultural ties, geographic proximity, and the availability of affordable vegetarian and local cuisine, making it a top-choice destination for Indian travelers.
Key attractions like the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Temple of the Tooth, and lush tea plantations continue to attract global visitors, further cementing Sri Lanka’s status as a top post-pandemic travel destination. The sustained growth underscores India’s pivotal role in supporting Sri Lanka’s tourism resurgence in 2025.
