Record Surge in Remittances: April Inflows Hit US$ 767.9 Mn 📈

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• Overall Figures: Workers' remittances rose 19% YoY to US$ 767.9 million in April 2026, surpassing the previous April high of US$ 646.1 million. This marks the fourth consecutive month of strong inflows, despite regional tensions in the Middle East. • Cumulative Performance: For the first four months of 2026, total remittances reached US$ 3.06 billion, a robust 24.5% YoY increase. This represents the strongest January-April performance in Sri Lanka’s history. • Economic Impact: Remittances remain the nation's single largest source of foreign exchange. This inflow provides a critical buffer for external reserves and macroeconomic stability, especially as export earnings and tourism face external pressures. • Historical Context: - April inflows decreased 6.1% compared to March 2026 (US$ 814.7 million) due to seasonal variations. - The 2026 momentum follows a record-breaking 2025, where annual inflows hit a historic US$ 8.07 billion. - Current trends indicate higher average transfers per worker, sustaining the sharp recovery seen since the 2022 crisis. • Sector Significance: The sustained shift toward formal transfer channels and consistent outbound labor migration continue to underpin this vital pillar of the Sri Lankan economy.

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