January 11, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka recorded its highest-ever inflow of overseas worker earnings in 2025, with migrant remittances reaching an unprecedented level, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) disclosed.
Officials described the figure as the strongest performance since organised foreign employment began more than four decades ago.
Data released by the Bureau shows that Sri Lankans working abroad sent home a total of US$8.07 billion (approximately Rs. 2,432 billion) over the course of the year, reflecting a sharp rise of nearly 23 per cent compared to the previous year’s earnings. The increase underscores the growing contribution of migrant workers to the national economy.
December emerged as the standout month, recording the highest monthly inflow, with remittances nearing US$880 million as overseas workers increased transfers during the year-end period.
The SLBFE credited the surge to targeted government strategies focused on deploying skilled and semi-skilled workers to overseas markets. More than 310,000 Sri Lankans left the country for employment in 2025 under these programmes, many securing higher-paying positions than in previous years.
Officials noted that the sustained growth in remittances has provided a critical injection of foreign currency, strengthening reserves and offering much-needed stability to the broader economy amid ongoing financial challenges.
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