According to data released by the Tourism Development Authority, Sri Lanka experienced a 9.7 percent increase in tourist arrivals, reaching a total of 277,327 visitors in January 2026 compared to the same period last year.

Visitors from India constituted the largest group, accounting for 19 percent of the total arrivals with 52,061 tourists. The United Kingdom followed, contributing 29,540 visitors, which represented 11 percent of the overall numbers. This increase coincided with the England Men’s Tour of Sri Lanka 2026, during which several matches were hosted at various locations across the island.

Additionally, there were 27,134 tourists from Russia, comprising 10 percent of the total arrivals. Germany and China also contributed significantly, with 17,776 and 14,003 tourists respectively, making up 6 percent and 5 percent of the total visitors.

(Colombo/Feb3/2026)