Business
Sri Lanka Tourism gears up to welcome international visitors
As Sri Lanka opens its doors to the world once again; Sri Lanka Tourism has pulled out all the stops, ensuring that every precautionary measure has been set in place to make the island getaway as safe, secure and serene as possible for the visitors. In this regard Sri Lanka Tourism has published ‘Safety Protocols’ to be followed by the tourism industry stakeholders and visitors. These protocols were issued by the Ministry of Health and adopted by Sri Lanka Tourism after a thorough analysis of the situation and following multiple consultations with all relevant stakeholders and health professionals to ensure a smooth transition to begin operations in the midst of this new normal.
As per the safety protocols published Sri Lanka does not require a minimum number of days to stay. i.e. visitors to the island can stay even 3 to 4 days. Also offers ‘Quarantine free’ visitor experience where the visitors are allowed to enjoy all facilities in their respective hotels including the swimming pools, spas, gym etc. However the only requirement put in place for the safety of the traveller, tourism stakeholders and Sri Lankan community is the need for the travellers to stay at a ‘Safe and Secure’ certified, Level 1 hotel or hotels in the initial 14 days of their stay. This ensures the creation of a bio-bubble for the international visitors assuring the safety of the local communities, employees of the industry and the visitors to the industry. The respective hotels and accommodation providers along with the travel agents and tour operators will be entrusted to ensure that visitors don’t break the bubble of safety.
‘Safe & Secure’ certified hotel
These are hotels or accommodation providers who comply with the COVID-19 Health Protocols and the Tourism Operational Guidelines (visit srilanka.travel for details of the Tourism Operational Guidelines issued). The hotels have been subjected to an audit by an independent audit firm and will be continually assessed. The ‘Safe & Secure’ certificate is issued with a QR code unique to each certified hotel. By scanning the QR code using a smartphone, visitors can not only check the key information of the certified hotel but also immediately report to Sri Lanka Tourism of any violations related to the guideline procedures with photo evidence. Sri Lanka Tourism believes this certification will serve as a mark of trust, safety and assurance to all international guests. Hotels with the certification are encouraged to display the certificate with the QR code that can be easily accessed by all guests.
‘Safe & Secure’ certified Level 1 hotel
From all the ‘Safe & Secure’ certified hotels, these are the accommodation service providers who will provide accommodation services exclusively for international tourists during the first 14 days of their stay. The level 1 hotels cannot accept bookings from locals and also are not allowed to hold any events or banquet functions for locals. International travellers are allowed to stay in any number of ‘Safe & Secure’ Certified Level 1 hotels during the initial 14 days of their stay. Visit srilanka.travel/helloagain for the complete list of Level 1 hotels.
As Sri Lanka opens its borders for international visitors, it will be mandatory for them to have a pre-booking at a ‘Safe & Secure’ Certified Level 1 hotel.
Process of applying for visa for international travellers
Visitors planning to visit Sri Lanka must apply for their visas online through the Immigration ETA portal (www.eta.gov.lk). Before applying for visa, potential visitors are required to have a confirmed hotel booking, pre-purchased PCR tests and a mandatory COVID-19 insurance cover.
The cost per PCR test will be $ 40 and pre-purchase PCR tests depending on the number of days of stay (eg: pay for 2 PCR tests for 7 days stay and 3 PCR tests if the travel exceeds 7 days). Mandatory COVID-19 insurance cover from People’s Insurance PLC will cost $ 12 for a policy of $ 50,000 for a period of one month. Visitors are advised by Sri Lanka Tourism to contact their ‘Safe and Secure Level 1’ hotel or travel agent when making their booking. Upon the payment of the PCR tests and insurance premium, the hotel will issue a reference number which the visitors need to include in their visa form under the section ‘contact details’. There you will be asked for ‘address in Sri Lanka’ under which you need to indicate your hotel name, address and the reference number issued by the hotel confirming the payment for mandatory PCR and insurance premium.
Sri Lanka Tourism has made it mandatory for the hotels to provide confirmed booking number (reference number) only after collecting funds for necessary PCR tests ($ 40 per PCR test and number of PCR tests depends on the duration of stay) and Insurance premium of $12 for a cover of $50,000 for one month.
Going forward the visa process will be directed through the Sri Lanka Tourism’s mobile app; ‘Visit Sri Lanka’.
PCR testing for International visitors
All visitors, prior to boarding, will have to carry a negative PCR test result from an accredited laboratory 96 hours before their departure. This report will be checked at the respective airport (BIA or Mattala). The first of the prepaid PCR tests would be carried out on-arrival at the guest’s hotel; prior to check-in. The second PCR test would be conducted 5-7 days after, or if any symptoms should develop before. If a test should result as positive, initial isolation would be accommodated at the hotel; and if necessary, transfers to a private hospital or a designated hotel to be quarantined; would be arranged. Costs to be covered via your COVID-19 insurance, already paid for at the time of visa issuance. Currently no exceptions are made for vaccinations taken; all safety protocols should be adhered to regardless.
Visiting sites and attractions
Sri Lanka Tourism with the tourism industry has created a bio-bubble for international visitors to explore multiple sites and attractions in Sri Lanka: This include places such as, Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Yala, Udawalawe, Kaudulla and Wilpaththu National Parks, Mirissa Whale Watching, Sigiriya Fortress, Anuradhapura (excluding ‘Sri Maha Bodhiya’) and Polonnaruwa to name a few. (Visit srilanka.travel/helloagain for complete list of approved sites).
Connecting with Sri Lanka Tourism for updates
Sri Lanka Tourism will take every possible step to provide the international visitors to the paradise island an amazing time while ensuring their safety, providing a safe and secure operational environment for the service providers of the tourism industry and ensuring that local communities are protected and secured. All information related to the re-opening for international travel are listed on srilanka.travel/helloagain along with important notices to the industry. Thus Sri Lanka Tourism invites all international travellers, industry stakeholders to connect with its social media and official channels to obtain timely, authentic information.
Business
ADB working to strengthen Sri Lanka’s sustainable finance framework amid low-innovation capital market
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Sri Lanka’s sustainable finance sector during the Serendipity Knowledge Programme on Sustainable Finance, emphasising the country’s untapped potential to leverage capital markets for green investments.
Delivering the closing remarks at the event held on March 19, ADB Sri Lanka Country Director Takafumi Kadono underscored the bank’s role as a “trusted partner” in the nation’s sustainable finance journey, citing collaborative efforts such as the development of Sri Lanka’s green bond framework with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE).
“ADB is happy to have assisted the SEC and CSE in developing the green bond framework,” he stated, positioning the initiative as a milestone in diversifying financial instruments to attract foreign and local capital.
Kadono highlighted global precedents where sustainable finance flourished even in markets constrained by limited liquidity and product variety. “There is strong potential for sustainable finance using Sri Lanka’s capital market to attract funds,” he said, stressing that product innovation—such as green bonds—could catalyze growth while strengthening market depth. He pointed to the phased rollout of ESG (environmental, social, governance) disclosure standards aligned with IFRS, set to begin in 2025, as a critical step toward building investor confidence.
Sri Lanka’s existing frameworks, including the Central Bank’s 2019 Sustainable Finance Road Map and 2022 green taxonomy guidelines for banks and non-banking institutions, were praised by him as foundational achievements.
ADB Sri Lanka Country
Director Takafumi Kadono
However, Kadono emphasized the need for broader corporate compliance with disclosure norms, capacity-building, and policies that incentivize ESG innovation. “Today’s discussions emphasised raising awareness and fostering an ecosystem where ESG goals can thrive,” he noted, linking these efforts to attracting global investor attention.
Beyond green bonds, ADB’s support spans banking reforms, SME finance, and the establishment of the National Credit Guarantee Institution—initiatives aimed at stabilizing Sri Lanka’s financial ecosystem.
Looking ahead, Kadono revealed plans to prioritize digital finance and fintech to accelerate financial inclusion, stating, “ADB will elevate its support to enhance digital finance in Sri Lanka.”
Kadono lauded the Sri Lankan government’s vision for greening the financial system but urged sustained collaboration to implement reforms. “The discussions today are just the beginning—success will require decisive leadership and resilience,” he concluded, reiterating ADB’s long-term commitment to the country’s sustainable finance goals.
The event, attended by policymakers, financial experts, and global stakeholders, spotlighted Sri Lanka’s incremental progress and the strategic role of capital markets in aligning economic growth with climate resilience. With ADB’s backing, the nation now faces the challenge of translating dialogue into actionable frameworks that unlock sustainable investment.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Sri Lanka’s premier business chamber, proudly marks its 186th anniversary today (25th March)
Reflecting on this milestone, the Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber, Duminda Hulangamuwa, stated, ‘for 186 years, the Ceylon Chamber has remained committed to putting “Sri Lanka First” in all its efforts. Whether through policy advocacy, trade facilitation, or fostering market access, we reaffirm our dedication to advancing business interests while driving national growth and prosperity.’
Guided by its core pillars—Policy Advocacy, Engagement, and Market Access—the Ceylon Chamber continues to champion economic resilience, international trade, and sustainable business practices. Over the past year, it actively engaged with key stakeholders to support post-crisis economic recovery, attract investment, and facilitate trade. Through high-level business delegations, forums, and partnerships with global trade bodies, the Ceylon Chamber has expanded opportunities for Sri Lankan enterprises, fostering stronger economic ties worldwide.
Looking ahead, the Ceylon Chamber remains focused on building stronger businesses, creating sustainable opportunities, and ensuring that Sri Lanka remains a key player in the global marketplace.
Business
ALFT empowers Sri Lanka’s leading consumer brands with industry-first packaging masterclass
ALFT Packaging, Sri Lanka’s pioneer in Flexible packaging, successfully concluded an exclusive three-day masterclass titled ‘Unboxing the Future of Flexible Packaging’ in partnership with Miraclon, a frontrunner in the global shift to flexography. The industry-first event, held on 3-5 March in Colombo, connected Sri Lanka’s leading consumer goods manufacturers and brand owners to explore revolutionary approaches to packaging design, technology, and sustainability.
The masterclass featured renowned packaging expert speakers Steve Smith, who has transformed the print and packaging industry across Asia Pacific with over 40 years of expertise in Modern Flexo technologies, and Hersh Lulla, who provided valuable insights on innovation and market trends.
The event attracted an impressive lineup of Sri Lanka’s most prominent companies, including Nestlé Sri Lanka, Unilever Sri Lanka, CBL Group, Maliban Group, Prima Ceylon, Hettigoda Industries, Keells Foods, Hayleys PLC, Ceylon Chocolates, Milco, and other industry leaders. The diverse attendance covered the food and beverage, personal care, and consumer goods sectors, reflecting the universal importance of innovative packaging solutions across industries.
Lakshman De Fonseka, Chairman, ALFT Packaging said, “We are committed to driving the evolution of flexible packaging excellence in Sri Lanka. The masterclass represents our dedication to bringing world-class expertise and cutting-edge technologies to local brands, enabling them to compete confidently on the global stage. The enthusiastic participation from Sri Lanka’s most prestigious brands confirms that packaging innovation has become a strategic imperative for business growth and consumer engagement.”
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