SRI LANKA NEWS (SEPTEMBER 2024 Compiled by Victor Melder The external sector remained resilient with increased inflows from workers’ remittances and tourist earnings despite an expansion in the trade deficit in July 2024. Workers’ Remittances Net: USD -23 million increased to USD 3,711 million in Jan-Jul 2024 compared to USD 3,364 million in the corresponding period in 2023. Monthly workers’ remittances exceeded US dollars 500 million for five consecutive months. Tourist Earnings were estimated to be USD 1,885 million from January to July 2024 compared to USD 1,094 million from January to July 2023. Total inflows to the services sector, excluding earnings from tourism, were estimated at US dollars 337 million in July 2024 in comparison to US dollars 311 million in July 2023. Services inflows to computer & IT/BPO-related services and the sea transport sector were the main contributors to the increase in inflows to the services sector excluding ...
