Sri Lanka has achieved its highest-ever number of tourist arrivals for the month of January, with 277,327 visitors entering the country in 2026, according to data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). 

This marks a 9.7 percent increase compared to January 2025 and a 16.1 percent rise over January 2018, indicating a robust recovery and growth in the tourism sector.  

India remained the leading source market, contributing 52,061 visitors (19 percent of total arrivals), followed by the United Kingdom with 29,540 tourists (11 percent), and Russia with 27,134 arrivals (10 percent). 

Other top sources included Germany, China, France, Australia, Poland, the US, and the Netherlands, with tourists from other countries making up 31 percent of total arrivals.  

Daily inflows averaged more than 8,900 tourists, with weekly totals ranging between 58,822 and 64,469 arrivals, reflecting steady demand during the peak winter season.