Sri Lanka tourist arrivals top 1 million

 Stilt fisherman in Koggala

• SL hits the milestone nearly a month earlier than in 2024 and returning to pre-pandemic levels last seen in 2018
• SL records 1,006,097 visitors between Jan. 1 and May 25
• Unlike in previous years, no sash, so flowers for the milestone visitor
• SL has realised 33.5 percent of its tourist arrivals target set for the year

Sri Lanka crossed the 1 million mark in international tourist arrivals for 2025 as of May 23, data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) showed, hitting the milestone nearly a month earlier than in 2024 and returning to pre-pandemic levels last seen in 2018.

The island nation recorded 1,006,097 visitors between Jan. 1 and May 25, according to provisional SLTDA figures. Tourist arrivals for the first 25 days of May stood at 109,213, with a daily average of 4,376, reflecting a seasonal slowdown during the April–June off-peak period.

The 1 million mark was last achieved in May 2018. In 2024, Sri Lanka reached the same milestone in June. This affirms the bouncing back of the local tourism sector, one of the key foreign exchange earners for the economy.

Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath acknowledged the development in a post on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, thanking stakeholders for their continued support.

Unlike in previous years, there was no ceremonial recognition of the milestone visitor. No sash. No flowers.

Tourism authorities confirmed that no special reception was organised this time, although such an event may be considered when the 2 millionth visitor is welcomed later in the year.

Last year, the 1 millionth tourist was from Ireland, while the 2 millionth was a visitor from Thailand.

According to SLTDA data, Sri Lanka received 1,006,097 international visitors between 1 January and 25 May 2025. For the first 25 days of May alone, arrivals stood at 109,213, averaging 4,376 per day. The dip in the daily average reflects the onset of the off-peak travel season, which typically stretches from April to June before gaining momentum in July and August with the European summer holidays.

India remained the largest source market for May, accounting for 35.8 percent of arrivals. The United Kingdom followed at 7 percent, while China showed notable traction with a 6.5 percent share. Other key markets included Germany, Bangladesh, Australia, France, the United States, the Russian Federation, and Canada.

As of 25 May, Sri Lanka has achieved 33.5 percent of its annual target of 3 million tourist arrivals for 2025.