Workers’ Remittances Surge 18.9% in First Half of 2025

COLOMBO (News 1st) Sri Lanka’s external sector remained resilient in the first half of 2025, with the country recording a current account surplus of USD 1.5 billion, despite a widening merchandise trade deficit, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).

Total exports, including goods and services, reached USD 10.1 billion, marking a 6.8% year-on-year growth. 

However, imports outpaced exports, with merchandise imports rising 12.4% to USD 9.8 billion.

Workers’ remittances surged by 18.9% to USD 3.7 billion.

Tourist earnings rose by 10% to USD 1.7 billion.

Vehicle imports totaled USD 475 million in the first half, with USD 163 million recorded in June alone.

Gross official reserves stood at USD 6.1 billion at the end of June, including the swap facility with the People’s Bank of China.