📈 Sri Lanka Workers’ Remittances Hit Record High in Oct. and First 10 Months

Sri Lanka recorded historic workers' remittance inflows, remaining the nation's single largest source of foreign exchange and supporting external reserve stability despite ongoing Middle East conflicts. • Overall Figures (October 2026): Inflows grew 3.31% YoY to US$ 735.6 Mn, marking nine consecutive months of exceptionally strong remittance performance driven by formal transfer channels. • 10-Month Cumulative Performance: January to October 2026 inflows exceeded US$ 7.6 Bn, up 16.5% YoY. This represents the strongest first 10-month performance in Sri Lanka’s history. • Historical Trajectory & Context: • 2025 Historic High: Full-year remittances reached US$ 8.07 Bn (up 23% YoY), surpassing the previous 2016 record of US$ 7.24 Bn. • Post-Crisis Recovery: Followed a steep fall to US$ 3.78 Bn in 2022, rebounding by 57% YoY to US$ 5.96 Bn in 2023, and growing 10.1% YoY to US$ 6.57 Bn in 2024 amid increased outbound labour migration.