Workers’ remittances hit five-month high

​Sri Lankan workers abroad continued to provide a crucial lifeline to the country’s external sector in May, with remittance inflows rising to their highest monthly level so far this year despite lingering concerns over the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on migrant employment.

​Workers’ remittances amounted to US$ 847.0 million in May 2026, up from US$ 767.9 million in April and US$ 641.7 million in May 2025, according to the Central Bank’s latest update.

​The increase follows inflows of US$ 814.8 million in March and US$ 767.9 million in April, extending a strong run in remittance earnings that has become a key source of foreign exchange for the country.

​The resilience in remittance inflows comes despite concerns earlier this year that heightened tensions involving Iran and the broader Middle East could disrupt labour markets across a region that hosts a large share of Sri Lankan migrant workers.

​Those fears have yet to materialise, with remittances continuing to provide an important buffer to Sri Lanka’s external finances as the country navigates pressures from higher imports and a weakening currency.

​Workers’ remittances have remained one of the most resilient components of Sri Lanka’s external sector recovery since the economic crisis, helping support reserve accumulation and ease pressure on the balance of payments.