News Today: Sri Lanka migrant worker remittances reach record high in July 2025, driving economic stability and growth

Sri Lanka has reported its highest monthly worker remittance for the year in July 2025, according to the latest data from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). Migrant workers sent home an impressive US$697.3 million during the month, marking a 19.5% year-on-year increase compared to US$566.8 million in July 2024.

From January to July 2025, total remittances have reached US$4.43 billion, reflecting the continued resilience and economic importance of overseas workers. The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) confirmed that 173,189 Sri Lankans left the country for overseas employment during this period, comprising 106,229 men and 66,960 women.

SLBFE Chairman Kosala Wickramasinghe said the country is on track to receive US$7 billion in remittances by the end of the year. He emphasized that the Bureau has taken significant steps to deploy more skilled workers abroad, anticipating that 300,000 Sri Lankans will secure overseas jobs in 2025.

Under existing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with nations such as Japan, South Korea, and Israel, skilled Sri Lankan workers are being recruited for employment in sectors ranging from healthcare and manufacturing to agriculture and technical trades. Wickramasinghe praised licensed employment agencies and job seekers for their active contribution to the country’s foreign employment drive.

Remittances continue to be Sri Lanka’s largest source of foreign exchange, helping to stabilize the economy, strengthen foreign reserves, and support household income across the nation. Experts highlight that skilled migration initiatives not only increase remittance inflows but also enhance Sri Lanka’s global workforce reputation.

With rising overseas employment opportunities and improved policy support, Sri Lanka appears poised to sustain this positive momentum in migrant worker remittances for the remainder of 2025.