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Sri Lanka’s Tourism resilient amid challenges

Published

1 year ago

2024/11/1

Thilina Walpola

Industry leaders call for strategic overhaul and sustainable growth

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Several Western countries have issued travel advisories cautioning their citizens against visiting Arugam Bay, yet this has not triggered a mass exodus of tourists, according to Nayana Udayapriya Kumara, President of the Sri Lanka Hotel Owners’ Association (SLHOA).

“There are approximately 3,500 hotel rooms in the Arugam Bay area, and initially, there was significant concern among both tourists and hotel owners over the advisories,” Kumara said. “Everyone feared a repeat of 2019. However, we are pleased with the government’s response. There is optimism, as around 85 percent of travellers who were here when the advisories were issued have stayed on.”

Kumara mentioned that about 15 percent of bookings for November have been cancelled in SLHOA member hotels in Ella and Tangalle. Nevertheless, he noted that under normal circumstances, there was a typical cancellation rate of 10-15 percent.

Tourism in Sri Lanka faces considerable challenges, especially given the competition from destinations like Thailand and Cambodia, which are more affordable, Kumara stated. “We’ve never had a strong tourism promotion strategy. It’s been years since we carried out a global campaign. Hotels contribute to a tourism development levy, but these funds haven’t been effectively utilised,” he added.

In recent years, approximately 80 percent of Sri Lanka’s trained hotel workforce has left the industry, Kumara explained. “Many hotels closed down due to COVID-19 and the economic crisis, leaving employees with no option but to move on. Now, as tourists are returning, we are struggling to find qualified staff to maintain quality service. There are numerous vacancies at a time when unemployment is high, but government agencies have shown a very lukewarm attitude.”

Kumara suggested that the government could establish a dedicated university for tourism professionals, offering programmes ranging from short-term certificates to degree-level qualifications.

Anura Lokuhetty, Immediate Past President of The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka, highlighted that Sri Lanka’s lack of a coherent tourism policy remains a major issue. He pointed out that many investors in the hotel sector have yet to recoup their investments. “Hotels that opened after 2017 have faced severe challenges: the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019, COVID-19 from 2020 to 2021, the economic crisis in 2022, which brought long power cuts and fuel shortages, and most recently, visa issues. Despite all this, the industry continues to persevere,” he said.

Lokuhetty emphasised the need for sustainable tourism, warning against compromising Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and biodiversity for short-term gains. “Look at Yala National Park, where we allow too many vehicles and visitors. And at Sigiriya, there’s an optimal visitor capacity that should be respected. Unfortunately, state institutions haven’t addressed these issues.”

Sameera Senaka de Silva, President of the All Ceylon Small and Medium-Scale Tourism Entrepreneurs’ Association, commented on the intense competition for tourism in the region. He noted that, under such conditions, some countries might resort to underhand tactics to attract travellers away from their competitors.

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Advisory for Severe Lightning issued to the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts

Published

2 hours ago

2026/02/19

Priyan

Advisory for Severe Lightning
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 12.00 noon 19 February 2026 valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 19 February 2026

The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur at some places in in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 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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Navy and Coast Guard seize 04 Indian fishing vessels poaching in Sri Lankan waters

Published

2 hours ago

2026/02/19

Priyan

During operations conducted in the dark hours of 18 Feb 26, the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard seized 04 Indian fishing boats and apprehended 22 Indian fishermen, while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters north of Mannar and off the Delft Island, Jaffna.

Recognizing the detrimental effects of poaching on marine resources and the livelihoods of local fishing communities, the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard continue to conduct regular operations as proactive measures to deter such activities. These efforts underscore the collective robust approach and steadfast commitment to safeguarding the nation’s marine ecosystems while ensuring the economic security and wellbeing of its citizens.

The 02 fishing boats along with the 10 fishermen held in Mannar were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Mannar and the remaining 02 fishing boats intercepted off the Delft Island, together with 12 Indian fishermen were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Myliddy for onward legal proceedings.

News

Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka pays courtesy call on PM

Published

10 hours ago

2026/02/19

Priyan

The Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka Dr. Siri Walt paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on the 17th of February at the Temple Trees.

Welcoming the Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka the Prime Minister briefed the Ambassador on her recent visit to Davos to participate in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting noting that the series of high-level bilateral meetings held on the sidelines of the Forum, along with two important industry visits provided valuable insights for Sri Lanka’s economic engagement.

The discussion focused on Switzerland’s vocational education and training (VET) system, with particular interest in exploring possible cooperation and knowledge-sharing opportunities.

The Prime Minister also conveyed her appreciation for the assistance extended by the Government of Switzerland following Cyclone Ditwah. She emphasized Sri Lanka’s need for enhanced technical assistance during the ongoing rebuilding phase, especially in relation to the reconstruction of bridges and railway infrastructure.

Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Switzerland, and to expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

First Secretary (Political) of the Embassy of Switzerland in Colombo Ms. Justine Boillat, First Secretary (Migration) of the Embassy of Switzerland in Colombo Ms. Andrea Kienast and the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatt and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , Foreign Employment, Tourism.attended the meeting.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]