Remittances from Migrant Workers Rise by 27%

23-Apr-2026

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Sri Lanka’s Bureau of Foreign Employment has stated that remittances sent to the country by migrant workers during the first quarter of this year have increased by 26.5% compared to the corresponding period last year.

In a statement issued by the Bureau, citing Central Bank data, it was further revealed that migrant workers contributed USD 2.294 billion to the country between January and March 2026. Accordingly, USD 751 million was received in January, USD 729 million in February, and USD 815 million in March. In comparison, the total remittances received during the first three months of 2025 amounted to USD 1.815 billion.

The Bureau noted that the rise in remittances was driven by increased public confidence and transparency in government finances, along with the Bureau’s efforts to encourage migrant workers to use legal and formal channels to send money.

Meanwhile, a total of 62,145 people left Sri Lanka for foreign employment between January and the end of March this year.