SLBFE predicts record remittances in 2026

Colombo, May 26 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka is expected to record its highest-ever foreign worker remittances by the end of 2026, Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) Chairman Kosala Wickramasinghe said.

Addressing a media briefing held at the Bureau yesterday, Wickramasinghe said remittances during the first four months of 2026 had already reached US$ 3.06 billion.

He said that in the corresponding period of 2025, the country recorded US$ 2.4 billion in remittances, which was considered the highest figure at the time.

Wickramasinghe attributed the increase in foreign remittances to several factors, including higher basic salaries for migrant workers, improved international recognition of Sri Lanka’s foreign employment sector following measures introduced by the new government, and expanded welfare facilities for workers.

He further said the increase had been recorded despite the ongoing conflict situation in parts of the Middle East.