COLOMBO, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka recorded selective gains in global perceptions related to investment, tourism, and people-led attributes, even as its overall position slipped in the Global Soft Power Index 2026, according to new data released by London-headquartered brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance.
Sri Lanka ranked 100th out of 193 countries in the Global Soft Power Index 2026 with a score of 33.8 out of 100, down three places from 97th in 2025. The index is based on a survey of more than 150,000 respondents across over 100 countries.
Despite the overall decline, Sri Lanka improved in several key areas linked to everyday engagement and economic confidence. Perceptions of the "ease of doing business in and with" Sri Lanka improved, with the country ranking 79th globally.
Tourism and culture remained areas of relative strength. Sri Lanka rose eight places in perceptions as "a great place to visit" and climbed 10 places for "food the world loves." The country also advanced 13 places for friendliness, while improving seven positions in the People and Values pillar, signaling a rise in positive public sentiment. ■
