Sri Lanka records highest-ever October tourist arrivals with over 168,000 visitors

Sri Lanka recorded its highest-ever tourist arrivals for the month of October, welcoming 168,625 foreign visitors in October 2026, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

The latest SLTDA statistics show a 2.1% increase compared to October 2025, when 165,193 tourists visited the country. The figure also surpassed the 153,123 arrivals recorded in October 2018.

India remained Sri Lanka’s largest source market in October, accounting for 62,211 arrivals, representing 37% of the monthly total.

The United Kingdom ranked second with 12,402 visitors, followed by China with 11,190, Australia with 8,509 and Germany with 8,027.

Other key source markets included Russia with 6,750 arrivals, France with 5,042, Bangladesh with 4,528, the United States with 3,749 and the Maldives with 3,492.

According to the SLTDA, daily tourist arrivals averaged approximately 5,440 during October, with the highest daily figure of 7,045 recorded on October 17.

The period from October 15 to 21 recorded the highest weekly arrivals, with 42,739 tourists entering the country.

The latest figures indicate continued growth in tourist arrivals during October, with India maintaining its position as the country’s leading tourism source market.