The first quarter of 2026 has recorded a 26.5% increase in workers’ remittances, compared to the same period last year, despite the West Asian conflict.
Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) quoting data from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has stated the country received a total of USD 2, 295 million in remittances from January to March 2026.
War erupted on February 28 following unprovoked US-Israel attack on Iran.
Monthly figures show inflows of USD 751 million in January, USD 729 million in February, and USD 815 million in March.
In comparison, remittances for the first three months of 2025 totaled USD 1.815 billion, the SLBFE has noted.
Meanwhile, a total of 62,145 workers have left Sri Lanka for overseas employment between January and the end of March this year.