📈 Worker Remittances Hit Record High in January 2026

• Monthly Inflow: Surged to US$ 751.1 Mn in January 2026, marking a 31.1% YoY increase and surpassing the previous January record of US$ 729.1 Mn (2018). • Growth Trends: While up significantly YoY, inflows saw a 17% seasonal decline compared to December 2025. • Historical Context: Follows a record-breaking 2025, where annual remittances hit US$ 8.07 Bn (+23% YoY), the highest ever recorded in Sri Lanka. • Labor Migration: Despite a slight 1.2% YoY dip in departures (310,915 workers in 2025), remittance values rose, indicating higher average earnings and increased trust in formal banking channels. • Economic Impact: Remittances remain the largest source of foreign exchange, crucial for domestic consumption and external balance recovery following the 2022 crisis. • Policy Drivers: Sustained growth is attributed to the CBSL's move away from parallel exchange rates, discouraging informal channels like Undiyal and Hawala.