Total tourist arrivals for the full year reached 2,362,521, marking a 15.1 percent increase compared to 2024. However, the figure fell short of the government’s ambitious target of attracting 3 million visitors in 2025.
December arrivals also surpassed pre-crisis levels, standing 2.3 percent higher than the 253,169 tourists recorded in December 2018—the last year before Sri Lanka’s tourism industry was severely disrupted by a series of shocks including the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent political unrest.
India remained Sri Lanka’s largest source market in December, accounting for 22 percent of total arrivals with 56,715 visitors. The Russian Federation followed with 27,987 tourists, representing 11 percent. Other key markets included the United Kingdom with 20,535 arrivals, Germany with 16,707, Australia with 14,820, and China with 10,364 visitors.
Sri Lanka was hit by Cyclone Ditwah on November 28, which affected several regions across the island. According to tourism authorities, around 269 tourists were impacted by the cyclone, though the industry continued operations with minimal disruption to overall arrivals.
Tourism officials say the year-on-year growth highlights the sector’s resilience, even as challenges from natural disasters and global uncertainties continue to affect travel patterns.
