📈 Sri Lanka Worker Remittances Rise 5.6% YoY to US$ 734.4 Mn in Sept 2026

Official worker remittances from expatriate workers expanded in September 2026, maintaining momentum following earlier exchange rate adjustments. • Key Highlights & Growth Figures: - September 2026: Inflows reached US$ 734.4 Mn, up 5.6% YoY from US$ 695.7 Mn. - Jan–Sept Cumulative: Total remittances reached US$ 6,865.4 Mn, marking an 18.1% YoY increase. - Projections: Analysts expect annual remittances to break last year's record high of US$ 8,076.2 Mn. • Key Labor & Market Dynamics: - Higher total flows stem from an increased labor force migrating for foreign employment following the 2022 economic crisis. - National strategy focuses on sending skilled foreign labor & professionals to enhance foreign exchange receipts. - Middle East remains the largest destination for Sri Lankan workers. • Currency & Channel Factors: - Shift back to formal banking stems from abandoning parallel rates and raising interest rates since 2022. - Exchange rate stability reduces reliance on informal channels like Hawala and Undiyal.