Workers’ remittances saw a rebound in August reaching $ 325 million, the highest level so far in 2022.
August saw a 16% or $ 46 million increase over July. However, it is lower than $ 446.6 million worth inflow in August last year.
For the first eight months of 2022, workers remittances amounted to $ 2.2 billion, down by 47.6%. The previous highest in 2022 was in March at $ 318 million.
Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara yesterday expressed his gratitude to every expatriate worker who has sent money through the banking system legally. He said that all Sri Lankans need the support of expatriate workers at this time, with the country facing a foreign exchange shortage.
Nanayakkara revealed that over 200,000 have left Sri Lanka for overseas employment by end August and the 2022 full year figure has been revised upwards from 300,000 to 33,000 due to higher demand.
FT