Sri Lanka, April 20 -- Foreign exchange earnings from tourism plummeted to $223.7 million in March 2026, marking a 37% decline compared to the previous year, according to Central Bank data citing the tourism promotion authority. This represents the first official revenue report released since the onset of the regional conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran on February 28.

Authorities noted that tourism revenue remained lower since last August relative to arrival numbers, following a downward revision of estimated daily tourist spending. This March decline signifies the seventh monthly drop within the last nine months, despite the period typically being part of the peak travel season.

Key performance indicators

Arrivals: Fell 20% Y...