Sri Lanka Sees Significant Rise in Migrant Remittances for First Quarter 2026

Migrant worker remittances for the first quarter of 2026 are now widely reported to have increased by 26.5% compared to the same period last year, a slight revision from some earlier figures (which stated 27%). While some reports maintain the total at USD 2.294 billion, other sources indicate a slightly higher total of USD 2.295 billion for January to March 2026. This increase, which includes USD 751 million in January, USD 729 million in February, and USD 815 million in March, occurred despite the ongoing West Asian conflict that erupted in late February. The rise continues to be attributed to improved financial confidence and greater use of formal remittance channels.

New reports indicate that migrant worker remittances for the first quarter of 2026 saw an increase of 27% compared to the same period last year, a slight revision from earlier figures. This rise is attributed to improved fiscal confidence and transparency in legal remittance channels.

Migrant worker remittances to Sri Lanka increased by 26.5% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year, reaching a total of USD 2.294 billion. This includes USD 751 million in January, USD 729 million in February, and USD 815 million in March. For comparison, remittances in the first quarter of 2025 totaled USD 1.815 billion. These figures were reported by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), citing data from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).