Business
Indian External Affairs Minister’s tourism diplomacy: Lessons for Sri Lanka
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar’s recent address at the FAITH Tourism Conclave in India was more than a promotion of travel and hospitality – it was a masterclass in soft power, national resilience, and strategic messaging.
While his speech centred on India’s tourism revival, the underlying themes: diaspora engagement, cultural pride, and navigating global turbulence hold profound relevance for Sri Lanka as it seeks to rebuild its own tourism sector amid economic and geopolitical challenges.
In this context. The Island Financial Review spoke to a veteran in the Sri Lanka tourism sector to inquire how he perceived the high-calibre Indian minister’s views on tourism and their relevance to Sri Lanka Tourism. The following are some excerpts from the interview.
“Jaishankar framed tourism not merely as an economic activity but as a tool for shaping India’s global identity. His emphasis on UNESCO heritage sites from the Hoysala temples to Gujarat’s Statue of Unity mirrors Sri Lanka’s own treasures: Sigiriya, Galle Fort, and Kandy’s cultural triangle. Yet, India’s systematic branding of intangible heritage – yoga, Kumbh Mela, even Bollywood nostalgia offers a blueprint. Sri Lanka, too, could amplify its festivals like Esala Perahera, Thai Pongal and crafts like mask-making, handlooms as part of a curated ‘living heritage’ experience.”
“Crucially, Jaishankar highlighted the diaspora’s role in tourism, urging overseas Indians to ‘bring friends’ home. Sri Lanka’s diaspora, which is also significant and influential, could be leveraged similarly. Imagine targeted campaigns inviting Sri Lankans abroad to explore homestays in Jaffna or surf camps in Arugam Bay – blending emotional homecoming with sustainable tourism.”
“He noted that India’s tourism boom , stems from infrastructure leaps: doubled airports, revamped railways, and initiatives like affordable regional flights and pilgrimage circuits. Sri Lanka’s post-crisis recovery demands parallel strides – not just in highways and hotels but in decentralising tourism. Why not develop Trincomalee’s beaches or Mannar’s bird sanctuaries as alternatives to Colombo and the South?”
“The Indian External Affairs Minister’s praise for homestays and eco-tourism resonates deeply. Sri Lanka’s community-based tourism – whether in Kandy’s villages or the Knuckles range – could thrive with state support, blending livelihoods with conservation. Likewise, India’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) push is instructive. Colombo’s conference tourism potential could be enhanced with newly added infrastructure like City of Dreams – Cinnamon Life, positioning the city as a hub for South Asian business dialogues.”
“Jaishankar’s acceptance of global volatility – from pandemic aftershocks to trade wars was striking. His solution: self-reliance, not as isolation but as resilience. For Sri Lanka, this echoes the need to diversify tourism markets beyond European arrivals and boost domestic travel, as India has done.”
“Equally telling was his diplomatic choreography – hosting G20 events across India, from Kashmir to Kerala, and welcoming leaders like Macron in Jaipur. Sri Lanka, with its compact diversity, could adopt this ‘whole nation’ diplomacy. Imagine showcasing Trinco’s port to Indian investors or Jaffna’s revival to Tamil diaspora leaders – turning tourism into strategic storytelling.”
“Jaishankar’s speech was a reminder that tourism is more than revenue – it’s identity, unity, and geopolitical leverage. Sri Lanka, at a crossroads, must heed these lessons. As the Indian minister rightly said, ‘Tourism connects the world to a nation, and the nation to itself.’ For Sri Lanka, that connection could be the key to revival,” he said.
In conclusion, the Sri Lankan tourism veteran listed out key takeaways from Jaishankar’s speech:
1. Brand the intangible: Celebrate culture, food, crafts, and local festivals.
2. Engage the diaspora: Make them ambassadors for ‘come home, bring friends’ campaigns.
3. Decentralise growth: Invest in rural tourism, homestays, and eco-adventures.
4. Diplomatic storytelling: Use tourism to reframe Sri Lanka’s global narrative – resilient, diverse, open.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched last Tuesday (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC).
The service was inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake.
Accordingly, ten specially designed low-floor buses have been introduced into the transport service today. These buses are specially designed so that wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and also expectant women can board the bus with ease, the Transport Ministry said.
Each bus has 30 passenger seats and separate seating areas have been allocated for passengers using wheelchairs.
The pilot project operates on routes from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and from Makumbura to Kadawatha. These routes also cover major hospitals including the Colombo National Hospital and the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.
Speaking at the event, Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that while these buses prioritize the differently-abled community, they will also provide a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers.
He also noted that 122 low-floor buses are planned to be introduced into service before the end of this year, and that in the future the service will be expanded to areas such as Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.
Nestlé Lanka Limited has announced the appointment of Manav Sahni as its Chairman and Managing Director effective 01 May 2026. He will be succeeding Bernie Stefan, who will be transitioning to a new global role within the Nestlé Group. Bernie Stefan led Nestlé’s Sri Lankan operations through a particularly challenging time since 2023 – and has successfully guided the company through a strategic turnaround, positioning it on a axis for sustainable growth.
Speaking on his tenure at Nestlé Lanka, Bernie commented “Leading Nestlé Lanka has been a deeply meaningful chapter in my Nestlé journey. I am grateful to have worked alongside an amazing and resilient team that continues to make a difference for Sri Lankans across the country. On a personal note, it was an amazing opportunity to live on this beautiful island and experience firsthand the openness, warmth and kindness of its people, which has been the highlight of my Nestlé career to date. As Nestlé Lanka marks 120 years of enriching Sri Lankan lives, it is especially humbling to reflect on the role we have played in building on this legacy – positively touching individuals and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing our sustainability commitments. I am thankful to my colleagues, partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and trust, and to the wider business community, including through my role as a Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity to reinforce Nestlé’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. I leave very confident in the strength of the team and the journey that lies ahead.”
Manav Sahni brings with him over 18 years of experience in the FMCG & Telecom sector. Prior to taking on the role as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, he has been heading Nestlé’s Dairy business for the South Asia Region, where he expertly managed a highly diverse portfolio, driving sustainable business transformation.
“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan households for generations, and I am excited to work with the team to continue delighting consumers with tasty and nutritious products, while strengthening the positive impact we create through our brands and initiatives.”
Ceylon Theatres will unveil the newly revamped Majestic Cineplex on the 29th of April 2026, beginning a new chapter for one of Sri Lanka’s best known cinema destinations. Located at Majestic City Colombo, Majestic Cineplex returns with major technology upgrades, enhanced comfort, and a range of premium viewing options, reinforcing Ceylon Theatres’ long standing reputation for raising the bar in cinema entertainment experiences in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the upgraded Cineplex will be completely open to the public from 29th April 2026 onwards.
For generations of moviegoers, Majestic Cineplex has been a landmark venue in Colombo, and its latest transformation brings together the nostalgia of a familiar name with the excitement of a modern cinema experience. Leading the new screen line up is Majestic Platinum, which introduces Sri Lanka’s first and only digital LED cinema screen. Designed to deliver sharper visuals, deeper contrast, richer colour, and outstanding clarity, the auditorium features a 3D 4K Tricorne LED Cinema Screen together with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Majestic Platinum offers 226 seats, including 18 VIP recliner seats for those chasing a premium cinema experience.
The cineplex also features three additional theatres, each designed to offer a high quality movie experience. Majestic Superior includes Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, and 7.1 surround sound, with seating for 150 patrons. Majestic Ultra features the same advanced projection and audio systems with 149 seats. Majestic Gold offers a more private luxury setting with Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, DTSX surround sound, and 30 leather recliner seats, ideal for those looking for the most premium and exclusive experience.
Patrons can also enjoy an upgraded café experience with freshly prepared and ready to eat food available for purchase at the counter, along with convenience of being served to your seat. The new café experience, together with the upgraded theatres make for a more relaxed, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for everyone.
Discussing the relaunch, Ganga Rathuvithana, General Manager Operations at Ceylon Theatres said, “Majestic Cineplex has always been a special part of Colombo’s cinema culture, and we are proud to welcome audiences back with an experience that reflects the future of movie entertainment. We have always believed in investing in the best available technology, from introducing Sri Lanka’s first 3D cinema to now launching the country’s first digital LED cinema screen. Our revamped Majestic Cineplex is designed to give movie lovers something truly special.”
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Showers expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts after 2.00 pm.
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