The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) reported a historic surge in emigrant remittances in 2025, fueled by an increase in skilled workers traveling overseas.
Last year, over 310,000 Sri Lankans went abroad for employment under government-backed programs aimed at promoting quality skilled labor. This contributed to a record US $8.07 billion (Rs. 2432 billion) in remittances, the highest in the 40-year history of Sri Lankan foreign employment.
The Bureau noted that the highest monthly remittance was recorded in December 2025, totaling US $879.1 million. This represents a 22.8% growth compared to 2024, when the country received US $6.575 billion.
SLBFE officials said the continued growth of remittances provides a vital boost to the country’s foreign exchange reserves and strengthens the overall economy.
