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Lanka harnesses culture and art to revitalize tourism industry

Published

3 years ago

2023/09/24

Renowned tourism and hotel industry theoretician, Professor Jafar Jafari says that tourism would not exist without culture. “Culture is one of the principal motivations for the movement of people, and any form of tourism will provoke a cultural effect, on the visitor as well as the host,” he said.

A press release issued by the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka says: Following the upheaval caused by a pandemic and an economic and political crisis, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has begun a promising recovery in 2023. According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the number of tourist arrivals has been on an upward trend since January this year, with the purpose of travel of nearly 55% of the tourists arriving in March 2023 being on pleasure or vacation.

Speaking of tourists who travel to Sri Lanka in search of art, culture, and history, Donovan Abeyewardene, ArTravele – Artisan in Travel, Luxury Brand of Walkers Tours said, “As a country, we must look into how best we can cater to their needs. It is important to pair arts and culture with tourism, through which we can bring visitors to specific areas of the country. This will result in community wellbeing by invigorating local areas through creative practice.”

Sri Lanka can develop multiple methods to promote its art, culture, and tourism sectors. Speaking on how this can be achieved, hotelier, restaurateur, fashion & interior designer, and event planner; Nayantara ‘Taru’ Fonseka said, “We need to promote cultural tourism through packages that highlight the country’s unique art and cultural experiences. This can include visits to historical sites, art galleries, museums, and festivals of traditional music and dance. If we promote local artisans, Sri Lanka can create a unique cultural experience for tourists while also supporting local livelihoods.”

Developing and investing in art and cultural hubs that bring together artists, audiences, and patrons of arts is extremely important to sustain this industry. Such communities can help foster a vibrant artistic community while attracting tourists, thus connecting the art tourism industry in Sri Lanka to the wider region. The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka (MMCA Sri Lanka) is an organisation that is working towards establishing a community of artists, patrons, and audiences around modern and contemporary art in Sri Lanka.

Speaking on the work they do to establish a market for art tourism in Sri Lanka, Sharmini Pereira, Chief Curator at the MMCA Sri Lanka, said “To attract tourists, Colombo needs to have a strong cultural offer. The MMCA Sri Lanka is the only museum in the country dedicated to displaying modern and contemporary art. Modern art museums, especially those of architectural note, are tourism drivers.” She further added, “The Tate London, the Guggenheim Bilbao, MoMA New York and Singapore Art Museum are not only tourist attractions but have helped to establish these cities as cultural destinations. We have the artists and the art history, all that is missing is a permanent modern art museum, which is what the MMCA Sri Lanka is endeavouring to establish.”

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Advisory for Severe Lightning issued for all provinces of Sri Lanka

Published

49 mins ago

2026/04/20

Priyan

Advisory for Severe Lightning
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 12.00 noon 20 April 2026 valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 20 April 2026

Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur most places in the island after 1.00 p.m.

There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.

ACTION REQUIRED:

The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:

 Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.

 Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.

 Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.

 Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.

 Beware of fallen trees and power lines.

 For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.

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Indian Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan meets Prime Minister

Published

2 hours ago

2026/04/20

Priyan

The Vice President of India, C.P. Radhakrishnan, who is currently on a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka, held a bilateral discussion with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Sunday (19) morning at Temple Trees.

Upon his arrival at Temple Trees, the Indian Vice President was received by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. The Prime Minister also extended her congratulations to C.P. Radhakrishnan on his appointment as the Vice President of India.

During the meeting, the Vice President noted that this is his first official visit to Sri Lanka and expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him during his stay.

The occasion was attended by the Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel; Members of Parliament Dr. K. Laxman and Dr. Medha Vishram Kulkarni; Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri; and the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, and representing the Government of Sri Lanka the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath; Minister of Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage; Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj; Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri; Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Harshana Suriyapperuma; Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa; and several other officials.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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Heat Index at ‘Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

13 hours ago

2026/04/20

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 19 April 2026, valid for 20 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.