Sri Lanka has set a new record for the highest number of tourists visiting the country in a single year, surpassing the previous record set in 2018. As of today (29th December 2025), the total number of tourists has exceeded 2,333,796.
The Sri Lanka Tourism Board announced that the 2,333,797th tourist of the year 2025 was welcomed this morning.
A family from Thiruvananthapuram, India – Mr. Felix Khelynn Perera, Mrs. Reena Fernandes, and Ms. Anne Christina Perera – arriving on SriLankan Airlines flight UL 162, were received as the symbolic 2,333,797th guests of the year.
The Tourism Board emphasized that the arrival of this family is not only a personal celebration but also a collective achievement for the nation.
“This milestone marks a defining moment in Sri Lanka’s tourism journey, demonstrating the resilience and renewed confidence in the country as a leading global destination,” the Board stated.
Tourism continues to be a vital pillar of the Sri Lankan economy, contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings, employment, and cultural exchange.
Achieving this milestone, despite challenges such as the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditva, reflects the strength and unity of the industry and its stakeholders, the Board added.
