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International tourism, number of arrivals - Sri Lanka

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Sri Lanka Tourist Arrivals

The number of foreign tourist arrivals in sri lanka jumped by 66.7% year-on-year to 209.2 thousand in march 2024, following a 102.8% surge in the previous month. by region, europe accounted for the largest share of tourist visits (58.6%), followed by asia and the pacific region (34.6%) and the americas (5.9%t). among key markets, india was the largest source of foreign tourists at 15.2%, followed by the russian federation (13.4%), the uk (10.3%), germany (.8.8%), china (6.2%), and france (5.2%). considering the first three months of the year, foreign tourist arrivals soared 89.4% to 635.8 thousand compared to the same period of the previous year. by 2024, the government forecasts tourist arrivals will completely rebound, surpassing 2019 levels with a projected growth of 2%. in 2023, foreign tourist visits surged by 106.6% to 1.5 million compared to the previous year. source: ceylon tourist board, tourist arrivals in sri lanka increased to 218350 in february from 208253 in january of 2024. tourist arrivals in sri lanka averaged 54385.06 from 1977 until 2024, reaching an all time high of 253169.00 in december of 2018 and a record low of 0.00 in april of 2020. this page provides - sri lanka tourist arrivals - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news. sri lanka tourist arrivals - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on may of 2024.,   markets,   gdp,   labour,   prices,   money,   trade,   government,   business,   consumer,   housing,   taxes,   climate.

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Sri Lanka Visitor Arrivals Growth

• Sri Lanka Visitor Arrivals grew 66.7 % in Mar 2024, compared with an increase of 102.9 % in the previous month
• Sri Lanka Visitor Arrivals Growth rate data is updated monthly, available from Jan 1980 to Mar 2024
• The data reached an all-time high of 22,675.1 % in Dec 2021 and a record low of -100.0 % in Nov 2020
• In the latest reports, Sri Lanka Visitor Arrivals recorded 209,181.0 person in the month of Mar 2024
• Tourism Revenue of Sri Lanka reached 1.1 USD bn in Dec 2022, a decrease of 149.9 % change from the previous year

View Sri Lanka's Visitor Arrivals Growth from Jan 1980 to Mar 2024 in the chart:

What was Sri Lanka's Visitor Arrivals Growth in Mar 2024?

Sri Lanka Visitor Arrivals grew 66.7 % in Mar 2024, compared with an increase of 102.9 % in the previous month See the table below for more data.

Visitor Arrivals Growth by Country Comparison

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40+ sri lanka travel & tourism statistics [fresh for 2024].

Sri Lanka is a small country, but is teeming with such a rich culture, gorgeous natural landmarks, and many fun things to do .

It’s a backpacker-friendly destination and a true paradise for all the adventure seekers out there.

From the historical sites in Anuradhapura to the stunning beaches lining Trincomalee , there’s a lot to explore here.

But how many people actually come to this South Asian country?

How much does tourism contribute to their GDP?

Whether you’re planning a trip there or just wanting to understand more about its travel market, we’ve compiled a list of the most important and relevant statistics on Sri Lanka tourism.

Without further ado, let’s get started!

Sources : The source for each statistic is listed right below it, or you can head to the bottom of this post for all the references used.

Travellerspoint

What is the tourism growth rate in Sri Lanka?

The latest data in August 2023 shows that international tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka has increased 261.2% year-on-year compared to August 2022.

How many tourists visit Sri Lanka in 2023?

In April 2023, there were 105,498 monthly tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka. This was a 67.5% year-on-year increase from April 2022, when Sri Lanka saw only 62,980 tourist arrivals.

Is tourism increasing in Sri Lanka?

Compared to 2022, tourism is overall increasing in Sri Lanka, with the number of foreign arrivals growing 261.2% year-on-year in August 2023.

However, compared to pre-pandemic levels, overall tourism has yet to properly recover due to a number of factors.

What country visits Sri Lanka most?

India contributes the highest number of tourists to Sri Lanka, with 123 thousand arrivals in 2022, or 17.1% of all tourist arrivals.

Sri Lanka travel statistics at a glance

• In 2022, there were a total number of 719,978 tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka.
• The ratio of outbound trips to household in Sri Lanka was projected to grow from 29.4% in 2016 to 38.8% in 2021.
• In 2019, travel and tourism revenue contributed 12.6% of the total GDP in Sri Lanka, growing from just 6% in 2000.
• In 2022, tourism revenue in Sri Lanka amounted to US$ 1,136 million.
• As of 2022, there were a total of 190,521 people directly employed in the Sri Lankan travel and tourism industry.
• The top travel destination for tourists from Sri Lanka is India.
• Vice versa, India contributed the highest number of tourists to Sri Lanka, with 123 thousand arrivals in 2022, or 17.1% of all arrivals.
• SLTDA recorded 3,829 total establishments in Sri Lanka in 2022, an increase from the 2,620 establishments in 2019.
• According to Forbes, Sri Lanka ranks as the top wildlife safari outside of Africa.

Inbound tourism in Sri Lanka

How many tourists arrive in Sri Lanka each year?

1. In 2022, there were a total number of 719,978 tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka.

2. this was a significant increase from the 194,495 annual tourist arrivals in sri lanka in 2022, but still yet to recover to the pre-pandemic levels of 1,913,702 tourist arrivals in 2019..

The number of tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka has not recovered to its pre-pandemic figure of 1,913,702 in 2019 .

3. In 2022, international tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka recovered 31% of pre pandemic levels (2018).

4. the number of tourists arriving in september was the lowest at 29,802, while the busiest month for sri lankan tourism in 2022 was march (106,500 arrivals)., 5. in april 2023, there were 105,498 monthly tourist arrivals in sri lanka..

This was a 67.5% year-on-year increase from April 2022, when Sri Lanka saw only 62,980 tourist arrivals.

The latest figure equals to 58% of the pre-pandemic levels in 2018.

6. The latest data in August 2023 shows that international tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka has increased 261.2% year-on-year compared to August 2022.

[Trading Economics]

Sri Lanka outbound tourism

Where do Sri Lankans travel to the most?

7. Outbound travelers from Sri Lanka was forecasted to hit two million trips in 2021, an increase from the 1.5 million recorded in 2016.

8. the ratio of outbound trips to household in sri lanka was projected to grow from 29.4% in 2016 to 38.8% in 2021., 9. according to globaldata, the top travel destination for tourists from sri lanka is india..

[GlobalData]

After India, the next most popular destinations for Sri Lankan travelling overseas are Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Nepal.

The economy of travel & tourism in Sri Lanka

How much does travel and tourism contribute to Sri Lanka GDP?

10. In 2019, travel and tourism revenue contributed 12.6% of the total GDP in Sri Lanka, growing from just 6% in 2000.

11. in 2022, tourism revenue in sri lanka amounted to us$ 1,136 million., 12. tourism revenue in sri lanka hasn’t yet recovered to its all-time-high of us$ 4,380 million in 2018. .

But it’s still a significant increase from the US$ 506 million of revenue recorded in 2021.

13. A tourist in Sri Lanka spends an average of $164.4 per day in 2022.

14. as of 2022, there were a total of 190,521 people directly employed in the sri lankan travel and tourism industry..

Meanwhile, the number was 195,715 indirect employment in the travel and tourism industry in Sri Lanka in 2022.

Sri Lanka tourism demographics

15. the region that is the largest source of tourists to sri lanka is europe, making up 60.03% of all its international tourists in 2022..

In 2022, tourist arrivals from Europe hit 42.5% of its pre-pandemic levels.

16. The Asia and Pacific region recorded 213,537 tourists arrivals in 2022, comprising 29.66% of all arrivals.

Meanwhile, tourists from the Americas make up 7.1% of all foreign visitors to Sri Lanka in 2022.

17. In terms of country, India contributed the highest number of tourists to Sri Lanka, with 123 thousand arrivals in 2022, or 17.1% of all arrivals.

18. in august 2023, india remains the largest source of international tourists in sri lanka, with 22.4% of market share., 19. the top five international tourist markets in sri lanka are rounded up by the united kingdom, china, germany, and france in august 2023..

British tourists made up 11% of all arrivals in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka travel behavior

How do most people travel in Sri Lanka?

20. The average length of stay for tourists in Sri Lanka in 2022 was 9.34 nights.

21. the majority of tourists from india (56%), russia (69.3%), germany (68.8%), france (69.3%), and poland (92.1%) visited sri lanka for vacation. .

69.3% of tourists from France say that their main purpose for visiting Sri Lanka is for leisure.

22. The majority of tourists from Canada (75%) and Australia (62.4%) come to Sri Lanka to visit friends and relatives.

This reflects the significant amount of Sri Lankan diaspora living in Canada and Australia.

23. 16.3% of tourists from India visits Sri Lanka for business.

Out of all visitors to Sri Lanka, 16.3% come for business purposes .

24. A recent analysis shows that the most popular final departure port to Sri Lanka for international arrivals is Dubai (20.4%).

Other common last ports are Doha, Chennai, London and Singapore, with 17.5%, 10.4%, 6.2%

& and 3.5% respectively.

25. The most popular carriers for arrivals to Sri Lanka are Sri Lankan Airlines, Quarter Airways, and Emirates. Together, they handle a combined total of 65.4% of all tourist arrivals in the country.

Hotels and accommodation statistics in Sri Lanka

How many hotels are there in Sri Lanka?

26. SLTDA recorded 3,829 total establishments in Sri Lanka in 2022, an increase from the 2,620 establishments in 2019.

27. guest houses make up the highest number of accommodation type in sri lanka, with 1,380 establishments..

Homestay units follow closely behind at 1,009 and bungalows at 857.

28. As of 2022, there are 156 classified tourist hotels in Sri Lanka, with 37 five-star hotels and 37 four-star hotels.

Out of the 156 classified tourist hotels in Sri Lanka , 37 are rated as five-stars.

29. In 2022, there were around 26,162 registered Airbnb listings in Sri Lanka.

[Research Gate]

Not all of them are registered as a tourist accommodation service provider, hence the discrepancy in number.

30. Among those, 16,135 are private room listings while 9,332 are entire homes/ apartments.

The majority (61.7%) of Airbnb listings in Sri Lanka are private rooms.

31. The average nightly rate for an Airbnb in Sri Lanka is $74, while the average occupancy rate is 24%.

32. as of september 2023, there are a total of 10,023 properties in sri lanka that are listed on booking.com..

[Booking.com]

Booking.com is the biggest online booking platform for travel accommodation, and as of September 2023, the website records 10,023 properties in Sri Lanka .

Tourist activities and destinations in Sri Lanka

What are the top tourist destinations in Sri Lanka?

33. In 2018, the town of Ella in Sri Lanka welcomed 210 thousand visitors, a notable increase from 42.8 thousand annual visitors in 2008.

Ella is a popular town for tourists visiting Sri Lanka as it has plenty of activities and attractions.

34. Ella has experienced a significant growth of tourist arrivals since 2008, with the average annual growth rate being 26% from 2012 to 2018. 

35. by 2030, tourist volume in ella is forecasted to reach 2.4 million., 36. over 55 % (around 0.5 million) of tourists who visit kandy are backpackers..

[ScienceDirect]

More than half (55%) of tourists in Kandy, Sri Lanka, are backpackers.

37. Among all visitors to Kandy, the majority (78.1%) is in the 21-35 age group.

38. according to the the project manager of central cultural fund sigiriya, sigiriya welcomes 600 local tourists and 900 international tourists every day..

[Beyond Escapes]

39. On weekends, Sigiriya receives on average 2500 local tourist, most of which are from the Northern and Eastern areas of the country.

40. every year, there are 950,000 local tourist arrivals and 135,000 foreign tourist are about in nuwara eliya..

[Uda.gov.lk]

Another popular town for tourists in Sri Lanka is Nuwara Eliya , which has many interesting things to do and attractions to see.

Interestingly, the town itself is not listed among the top 20 most populated cities in Sri Lanka, with just over 25 thousand residents in 2023.

41. Instead, the most populated Sri Lankan city is Colombo, followed by Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Moratuwa, and Jaffna.

[World Population Review]

Colombo is home to 648,034 residents.

42. Camping has been slowly gaining traction in Sri Lanka, with 11.91 million campers in 2017 increasing to 15.52 million in 2022. This figure is expected to reach 48.22 million by 2027.

The number of tourists engaging in camping activities in Sri Lanka continue to increase, which might indirectly contribute to the rising popularity of glamping .

43. According to Forbes, Sri Lanka ranks as the top wildlife safari outside of Africa.

This is mainly because of the presence of the Big Five game animals in Sri Lanka and how easy it is to see them in one safari trip .

All in all, Sri Lanka is a lovely country with an ever-growing tourism industry.

It took a hit during the pandemic, just like the rest of the world, but the statistics reveal that it is beginning to recover.

Have we missed any important aspect of Sri Lankan travel?

Let us know in the comments below.

If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, check out this handy backpacking guide .

Check out these other statistics:

• New Zealand Travel & Tourism Statistics
• Peru Travel & Tourism Statistics
• Italy Travel & Tourism Statistics
• Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) 1
• Trading Economics
• Research Gate
• Booking.com
• ScienceDirect
• Beyond Escapes
• World Population Review

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Tourist arrivals top 100,000 in first half of February

Monday, 19 February 2024 03:06 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

• Sri Lanka welcomes 115,328 tourists, pushing YTD to 323,581
• Arrivals so far surpass total visitors received for the entirety of February 2023

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is experiencing a striking influx as the country welcomed over 100,000 tourists in the first 15 days of February, continuing to set an optimistic tone for 2024. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) released provisional figures yesterday, indicating that 115,328 tourists were welcomed in the first half of the month, pushing the year-to-date (YTD) figure to 323,581.  This achievement exceeds the total arrivals recorded for the entire month of February in 2023 which was registered at 107,639.  Industry analysts said the sector is making significant strides toward its ambitious goal of 238,614 monthly arrivals for February, where 52% of this target has already been accomplished within the first half of the month. The data also showed that the daily average arrivals have picked up to 7,689 in February so far, a stark increase compared to last year as well as to January which stood at 6,717.  Russia leads the arrivals during the first 15 days of the month with 16,701 visitors, followed by India with 15,220 and UK contributing 11,548 arrivals. In addition, visitors from China, Germany, France, Poland, Australia, US and the Netherlands were also welcomed. India maintains its position as the top tourist source market for Sri Lanka year-to-date (YTD), with a cumulative total of 49,619 arrivals, followed by Russia with 47,860, UK with 28,213, Germany with 21,671 and China with 20,587 arrivals. For 2024, Sri Lanka Tourism has set an ambitious target to welcome 2.3 million tourists and earn over $ 4.5 billion.

Update April 12, 2024

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Travel Advisory September 5, 2023

Sri lanka - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued after periodic review with updates to protest information. 

Exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to civil unrest , and terrorism.

Country Summary: Protests over the economic and political situation in Sri Lanka could erupt at any time. In some instances, police have used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters. U.S. citizens are reminded to avoid all gatherings, even peaceful ones, that could turn violent with little or no warning.

Terrorist attacks have occurred in Sri Lanka, with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, hospitals, and other public areas.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in remote areas. 

 Read the  country information page . 

 If you decide to travel to Sri Lanka: 

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues. 
• Follow the instructions of local authorities. 
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information. 
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds. 
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . 
• Review the  Crime and Safety Report  for Sri Lanka. 
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. 
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel. 

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid for six months from expected date of departure from Sri Lanka.

One page required for entry stamp. 

Yellow fever vaccine is required for individuals above nine months of age who are traveling to Sri Lanka from a country designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) to have a risk of yellow fever transmission, including transit more than 12 hours in an airport located in such a country. For more information, please refer to WHO .

Foreign currency over USD 15,000 must be declared.

If exiting with foreign currency over USD 5,000, the full amount brought in or acquired in Sri Lanka must be declared.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy colombo.

210 Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka Telephone: +(94) (11) 202-8500 Fax: +(94) (11) 202-7345 Email:  [email protected]

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Sri Lanka for information on U.S.- Sri Lanka relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

U.S. citizens visiting Sri Lanka must have either an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or a visa to enter Sri Lanka. 

U.S. citizens intending to visit Sri Lanka for purposes of tourism or transit require an approval notice from Sri Lanka’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) System), onward/return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds. The ETA system is available online or at the port of entry; however, visitors are strongly urged to use the online system to avoid lengthy delays at the port of entry. This travel authorization allows entry for up to 30 days.  

U.S. citizens intending to visit Sri Lanka for short-term business activities such as participating in business meetings, engaging in business negotiations, or attending conferences and workshops are required to obtain a business ETA. Business ETAs are not available online. Business travelers must obtain travel authorization either from the nearest Sri Lankan Embassy or Consulate before arrival in Sri Lanka, or at the port of entry in Sri Lanka.

U.S. citizens intending to visit Sri Lanka for religious or volunteer work or for local employment must obtain entry visas from the nearest Sri Lankan Embassy or Consulate before arrival in Sri Lanka. These visas are not available at the port of entry or through the online system.

All visitors staying beyond the expiration date of their visa must obtain a visa extension from the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo and pay the relevant visa fees.

Specific inquiries regarding entry and exit requirements should be addressed to the  Embassy of Sri Lanka , 3025 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington DC 20008, telephone (202) 483-4025, fax (202) 232- 2329. Contact the Sri Lankan Embassy by  e-mail ; the Sri Lankan Consulate General in Los Angeles at 3250 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2180, Los Angeles, CA 90010, telephone (213) 387-0210; or the  Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations  in New York City, 820 Second Avenue, 2 nd Floor, New York, NY 10017, telephone (212) 986-7040, fax (212) 986 1838. There are several honorary Sri Lankan consuls general and consuls in the United States. Visit the  Embassy of Sri Lanka website  for current visa information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Sri Lanka. 

Safety and Security

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to target crowds more effectively. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

The last terrorist attack in Sri Lanka occurred on April 19, 2019, when terrorists carried out coordinated bombings of hotels and churches in Colombo and Batticaloa, killing more than 250 people and injuring more than 500 more. The terrorists were Sri Lankan nationals associated with the Islamic groups National Thowheeth Jama’ath Millathu Ibraheem. Authorities believe the perpetrators of the attack are dead or have been captured. Many hotels and shopping areas increased their physical security presence in response to the bombings and security screenings of guests and bags has become standard in many locations.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Most crimes against U.S. citizens continue to be petty crime and crimes of opportunity (e.g., pickpocketing, hotel room thefts, and fraud). There is some organized criminal activity, which can involve drug-related crimes and gang-on-gang violence, but these events do not tend to involve foreign travelers.

There are occasional reports of credit card fraud. Authorities have arrested foreign nationals and organized groups for complicity in financial crimes. Avoid situations where your card is removed from your view. There have been reports of employees at reputable businesses (e.g., restaurants or chain grocery stores) wearing data skimming devices in their clothing and scanning a victim’s credit card or using other methods to steal credit card information. ATM skimming is also a threat. If you use an ATM, be on the lookout for skimming devices. Cover keypads with your hand.

Street hustlers are common around popular hotels, shopping areas, and other tourist sites. There are occasional reports of snatch and grab theft of purses or jewelry owned by tourists, but no recent reports of armed robberies.  Beware of tuk-tuk or taxi drivers offering “special” tours or access to festivals or gem shops. This common scam often results in tourists being heavily pressured to buy “gems” that are either cut glass or are worth much less than the price being asked.

Likely due to Sri Lanka’s economic situation, there is a scam in which a tuk-tuk driver charges your ride using an app on their phone, claiming the meter is broken. When you get close to the destination, the phone either slips down or the app closes, and they charge a much higher amount than the routine cost. If a tuk-tuk does not have a meter, agree on a price before beginning the ride, and try to have the correct amount of cash so you do not need change.

Surf schools are known to run scams where they claim renters damaged their boards and demand exorbitant prices to repair the damage. Examine and take pictures of your surfboard before taking it into the water.

Sexual harassment is pervasive. Both foreigners and locals, more commonly women, report instances of cat calls and physical harassment (grabbing of body parts) while in crowded areas and/or public transportation.

Demonstrations  occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Past demonstrations have turned violent. Police may deploy water cannons and/or tear gas in response to violent protests.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

In general, demonstrations in Sri Lanka are peaceful, resulting only in traffic congestion. However, some have ended in violence between the protestors and police or opposition groups. Demonstrations can involve confrontations with police, resulting in the use of water cannons and tear gas to disperse crowds. Large political rallies are common. These rallies are generally peaceful but can disrupt traffic.

International Financial Scams: See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Internet romance and financial scams occasionally occur in Sri Lanka. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited text messages and WhatsApp messages. Common scams include:

• Romance/Online dating 
• Contracts with promises of large commissions 
• Work permits/job offers

Tips to avoid scammers:

• Look for red flags like their location is far away, their profile was recently created or seems too good to be true, the pace of the relationship is moving too quickly, or they ask for money.
• Set up a phone call/video chat in the initial stages.
• Do a reverse image search on the profile picture.
• If they ask for help, you should refer them to the closest U.S embassy or consulate so we can assist them.

Be cautious of using dating apps/online dating websites abroad as U.S. citizens can be targeted by scammers. Make sure to inform your friends and family of your whereabouts, meet at a well-known public location, and do not consume suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.

Technology Usage Abroad: Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and physical damage anywhere in the world. Best practices prior to traveling abroad are keeping all software (operating system and apps) updated, and use virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications if possible. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact both the tourist police (hotline: 1912 or 011-242-1451) and the U.S. Embassy (011-202-8500) for assistance. Report crimes to both the tourist police and the U.S. Embassy. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care ;
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police;
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent;
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation  and following its conclusion;
• Provide a list of local attorneys ;
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. ;
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution;
• Help arrange flights home; and
• Replace a stolen or lost passport .

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. If you break local laws in Sri Lanka, your U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what is legal and what is not where you travel. 

In places like military checkpoints, you may be taken in for questioning if you do not have your passport with you. When arriving in Sri Lanka, ensure your luggage does not contain prohibited or restricted items, such as weapons, ammunition, explosives, gold, narcotics, and pornography. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Sri Lanka are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Under the Cultural Prosperity Act and the Antiques Ordinance, the unlicensed export of antiques from the country is considered a criminal act.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask the police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods:  Counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries and they may be illegal according to the local laws. Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. You may be subject to fines and/or have to give up counterfeit and pirated goods if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Special Circumstance : Sri Lanka recognizes limited  dual nationality . For further information, please contact the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington, D.C., the Consulate General in Los Angeles, or the Sri Lankan Mission to the United Nations in New York City.

The Sri Lankan police and military maintain several checkpoints throughout the country. U.S. citizens are advised to always carry identification such as their passports with them while in Sri Lanka. Photography is prohibited in designated high security zones and near many government facilities such as offices and military installations.

U.S. citizens who arrive by yacht or private boat should be aware that all marine harbors are high security zones. Travelers arriving by sea should be prepared for Sri Lankan Navy officials to inspect their vessels and should always wait for radio clearance before coming into port. 

Religious Laws: Tourists should be mindful of restrictions and observances when planning to visit any religious establishment, whether Buddhist or Hindu temples, mosques, churches, or other locations considered sacred by the local population. Posing for a photograph with your back to a statue of Buddha is a serious offense in Sri Lanka, punishable by a fine or arrest. Travelers should also be cognizant of displaying religious imagery, including tattoos of Buddha, while traveling to and transiting within the country, as foreign nationals have been arrested or denied entry to Sri Lanka due to such tattoos.

Faith-Based Travelers: See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports

International Volunteers:

• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

Women Travelers: If you find yourself in a life-threatening situation, you are encouraged to call the tourist police immediately (hotline: 1912 or 011-242-1451) and follow up with a call to the U.S. Embassy (011-202-8500). We can sometimes connect you with a non-governmental organization in Sri Lanka that may be able to provide assistance.  If you are victimized overseas, you may be entitled to receive compensation for counseling and/or other services such as relocation back to the United States. For further information, visit the U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women .

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes committed in Sri Lanka. See our tips for  Women Travelers .

Students: See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

LGBTQI+ Travelers : See our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights Report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: While in Sri Lanka, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. The Sri Lankan Supreme Court has directed that steps be taken to provide easy access for persons with disabilities to public buildings. Although there are regulations on accessibility in place, lack of wheelchair access in most buildings limits access for people with disabilities. Potholes and sidewalks in poor repair can make movement very difficult. The road network in Sri Lanka is improving, but many roads remain in medium to poor condition. Sidewalks and road crossings in most major towns tend to be congested with vendors, stray dogs, and groups of people loitering on street corners. 

Ambulance Services: For ambulance services in the Sri Lanka, dial 1990.

Ambulance services are widely available, but response times vary, and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. Ambulances are typically not staffed with trained paramedics and often have little medical equipment. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health webpage and general Traveler Advice for Sri Lanka. 

• Review all sub-sections including the Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip.  
• Reasons for Travel (for example: Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel)  
• Travelers with Special Considerations (for example: Allergies, Long-Term Travelers and Expatriates)  
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The Department of State, U.S. embassies, and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance overseas. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

The Department of State strongly recommends supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Medical Facilities: There are six large hospitals in the Colombo area, including four facilities with emergency medical and trauma service: Asiri Surgical Hospital; Lanka Hospital; Asiri Central Hospital; and the government-run National Hospital of Sri Lanka. Medical facilities outside Colombo are limited. Hospitals and doctors typically require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. The availability of medical supplies is uneven; therefore, travelers should always carry any prescription medications with them. Serious medical conditions can require evacuation to the United States or to a nearby country with more advanced medical facilities, such as Thailand or Singapore. Neither Thailand nor Singapore require U.S. citizens to have entry visas.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Pharmaceuticals: Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescriptions in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments. Please visit U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with Sri Lanka's Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Sri Lanka.

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Water Quality: In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

Infectious Diseases: Several mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue fever, Chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis are present in Sri Lanka. Dengue fever, in particular, is widespread in Sri Lanka’s Western Province, where the capital Colombo is located. Adequate mosquito protection is strongly advised to prevent this serious illness.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended vaccines that are specific to this region include Japanese encephalitis and typhoid (and rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis for some travelers).

For additional health information about Sri Lanka, please visit:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: While in Sri Lanka, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Vehicular traffic in Sri Lanka moves on the left (British style). Traffic in Colombo can be congested. Narrow two-lane highways, overloaded with trucks, poorly driven buses, and a variety of conveyances on the road, ranging from ox carts and bicycles to new four-wheel-drive vehicles, make driving dangerous. Unexpected roadblocks and one-way streets are common and may not be clearly marked. Many visitors hire cars and drivers for long trips through the country. Individuals who choose to hire three-wheeled vehicles (“tuks” or “three wheelers”) should use metered vehicles or negotiate prices beforehand to avoid confrontations upon arrival. If you are renting a vehicle, you should specifically request one with working seatbelts.

Heavy rains sometimes cause flooding which can make roads inaccessible for several days and bring with them the risk of landslides.

GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. The GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety considerations.

Public Transportation: While public buses are readily available, the U.S. Embassy does not recommend using them due to safety concerns.

See our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of Sri Lanka’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Sri Lanka, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Sri Lanka’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA's safety assessment page.

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Sri Lanka should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

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• Travel News and Statistics

Tourist Arrivals in Sri Lanka 2023

Tourism in Sri Lanka has experienced a significant resurgence in 2023, reflecting the island’s enduring appeal as a diverse and captivating destination. The data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority reveals a promising trend in tourist arrivals, showcasing the country’s successful rebound in the post-pandemic era.

The year 2023 marked a turning point for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. After the challenges faced during the pandemic and economic crisis in Sri Lanka, the country witnessed an impressive influx of visitors. In December alone, Sri Lanka welcomed 210,352 tourists, a testament to its growing popularity​​.

Monthly Insights

The monthly distribution of tourist arrivals in 2023 illustrates a steady increase in visitors. Starting from 102,545 in January, the numbers escalated to a record high of 210,352 in December, summing up to a remarkable total of 1,487,303 tourists throughout the year​​.

December’s Daily Arrival Patterns

December 2023’s daily tourist arrival data presents an intriguing pattern. The first week of December started strong with 38,046 arrivals, and the momentum continued with peaks and troughs, concluding the month with a total of 82,305 in the last ten days​​.

Top-Source Markets

Sri Lanka’s allure as a travel destination is evident in its diverse international visitor base. In December 2023, India led as the top source market with 43,973 tourists, followed by the Russian Federation, United Kingdom, Germany and Australia contributing significantly to the tourism sector’s growth​​.

Sri Lanka’s Unique Tourist Appeal

Sri Lanka’s unique blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and historical significance makes it an irresistible destination for travellers. From ancient temples to pristine beaches, the country offers many experiences catering to a wide range of interests.

The surge in tourist arrivals has positively impacted Sri Lanka’s economy. The influx of foreign visitors has stimulated growth in various sectors, including hospitality, transportation, and local businesses, contributing to the nation’s economic recovery.

Sustainable Tourism

As Sri Lanka experiences a tourism boom, the focus on sustainable tourism becomes crucial. Efforts to promote eco-friendly practices and preserve the natural and cultural heritage are vital in ensuring the long-term health of the tourism industry.

Government Initiatives

The Sri Lankan government ‘s initiatives to promote tourism, such as easing visa regulations, enhancing safety measures, and marketing campaigns, have significantly attracted international visitors.

Personal anecdotes and experiences of travellers to Sri Lanka in 2023 highlight the country’s hospitable nature, diverse attractions, and its people’s warm, welcoming spirit.

Sri Lanka’s Tourism Prospects

The future looks bright for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. With continued efforts in marketing, infrastructure development, and sustainable practices, the country is well-positioned to maintain its growth trajectory in the tourism industry.

Sri Lanka’s Tourism Renaissance

Sri Lanka’s remarkable surge in tourist arrivals in 2023 is a story of resilience, diversity, and growth. As the country continues to enchant visitors worldwide, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of its rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty. for More About Sri Lankan tourism Explore Sri Lanka Travel Pages

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Sat, 04 May 2024 Today's Paper

2023 records highest tourist arrivals since pandemic

2 January 2024 12:00 am - 0     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

• Year-end target missed by mere 4%
• SL welcomes 1.48mn tourists for whole of 2023
• December posts highest monthly arrival since pandemic but misses target by 13%

Sri Lanka saw tourist arrivals surge for the first time since the pandemic; however, the 2023 year-end target was missed narrowly by 4 percent. The provisional data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) showed that for the full 12 months of 2023, the island nation welcomed a total of 1.487 million international visitors. The SLTDA and Tourism Ministry were hopeful that Sri Lanka would end 2023 with 1.55 million international visitors. Initially, the tourist arrival target for the year was set as 1.5 million but was revised upwards as an uptick was seen in the arrival rate.

Data showed that Sri Lanka tourism also missed the monthly arrival target set for December 2023. While December recorded the highest monthly tourist arrivals for the year and also since the pandemic struck, here again, the target was missed. The anticipated arrival number for December 2023 was 242,135. However, having welcomed 210,352 international visitors, the target was missed by about 13 percent. Analysis of the monthly arrivals against the forecast shows that the set target was met only in four months of the year: February, March, April and May.

The daily arrival average for the month of December increased to 6,785, whereas the weekly arrival average increased to 52,588. December also saw an increased influx of cruise liners, with a total of five entering the country. Similarly, the frequency of charter flights increased as well. India continues to retain its position as the largest source market for Sri Lanka tourism, bringing in 21 percent of the total tourism arrivals for the month so far. The Russian Federation, ranking second, accounted for 14 percent of the total arrivals, while the United Kingdom, the third largest tourist traffic generator, contributed to 9 percent of the total arrivals. The cumulative data is yet to be released.

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Bombs to buzzing beaches: Sri Lanka sees tourism surge after long crisis

Hotel attacks, COVID-19 and an unmatched economic crisis devastated Sri Lanka’s feted tourism. Now, visitors are returning amid a promotion campaign. But industry insiders say more is needed.

Colombo, Sri Lanka –  Devmith Kaggodarachchi’s beachfront hotel in the southwestern coastal town of Hikkaduwa, a tourist hotspot 136km (85 miles) from the capital Colombo, is nearing full capacity.

The three-star hotel, with air-conditioned rooms and private balconies looking into the Indian Ocean, is busy serving tourists visiting for the Christmas season.

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Dubai announces $35bn construction of world’s largest airport terminal, thousands protest against over-tourism in spain’s canary islands, how one mexican beach town saved itself from ‘death by tourism’, photos: tourist numbers up in post-war afghanistan.

That is not how it’s been for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry over the past four years. Tourist arrivals dropped drastically in 2019 after bombings in three luxury hotels and three churches on Easter killed more than 250 people. The COVID-19 pandemic hit before Sri Lanka had a chance to recover.

The country’s economic and political turmoil in 2022 – when its then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his family had to flee, and essential commodities like fuel became almost impossible for everyday people to secure – further pushed tourists away from Sri Lanka.

But a concerted promotional drive to attract foreign visitors, aided by geopolitical tensions unrelated to the country, appears to finally be bearing fruit, offering the nation an engine of revenue that could play a pivotal role in helping Sri Lanka’s economy recover.

In 2023, Sri Lanka recorded more than 1.3 million tourist arrivals by the second week of December, official data show. It is the first time arrivals have crossed the 1 million mark in four years. More than 150,000 tourists visited in November, the highest monthly tally since March 2020.

“Tourists are trusting us now. After going back to their country, they talk good about us. Business is good at the moment,” Kaggodarachchi told Al Jazeera. “Our hotel can serve about 150 tourists at a time. At the moment,  there are 130”.

Most tourists who have visited this year are from India, which hosted three roadshows promoting Sri Lanka’s tourism sector in April.

But the Russian war in Ukraine has helped Sri Lanka too. Russia is the second-highest source of tourists to the country this year, at a time Russian tourists are not welcome in many other nations.

“There were limitations on countries Russians could visit. They could visit Sri Lanka. We had that advantage,” Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Priantha Fernando told Al Jazeera.

Encouraging numbers, but higher revenue needed

Industry stakeholders say that while higher tourist arrivals are a positive sign, there is a need to attract high-spending tourists to generate more revenue for the economy.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has also urged the tourism sector to improve its products and services to cater to high-end tourists.

From January to November, tourism contributed $1.8bn in revenue – an increase of 78 percent compared with the same period last year. Tourism is Sri Lanka’s third-largest source of foreign exchange. On average, a tourist spends $181 daily, according to government data.

Suranga Silva, a professor in tourism economics at the University of Colombo, suggested that Sri Lanka could use its uninhabited islands to boost high-end tourism by offering exclusivity.

“If we can develop our islands as high-end tourist destinations, we can get tourists to spend more than $1000 daily. The service must be worth what they pay,” Silva told Al Jazeera.

Research published in 2018 identified at least 87 islands in Sri Lankan territory. Many are neglected and can be used to develop tourist resorts, bird sanctuaries and scenic attractions, the research found.

“Only luxury hotels aren’t enough. Tourists should be given a valuable tour package including domestic charter flights to take them to these locations,” Silva said.

In 2021, the World Economic Forum ranked Sri Lanka 74th among 117 countries on its Travel and Tourism Development Index, which measures factors and policies that enable the development of the travel and tourism sector.

“Right now, there is no advantage for any foreign investor to invest in Sri Lanka,” Fernando, the tourism authority chairperson, conceded. “These are the things we have to look at and come up with policies that will facilitate greater investment.”

“I feel it will be 2029 by the time we receive 5 million tourists, of which half at least spend $500 a day”.

‘Don’t kill the goose that lays golden eggs’

But even as Colombo promotes the country’s tourism internationally, many businesses in the sector fear that the government is at the same time weakening their ability to compete for global travellers.

From January 2024, the Sri Lankan government will lift an exemption on value-added tax (VAT), which it had extended to tourism operators in 2020.

“Our industry generates foreign exchange revenue quickly. So, our request is to exempt us from VAT,” Rohan Abeywickrama, the president of the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises in Tourism, told Al Jazeera.

Sri Lanka’s parliament recently voted to increase VAT from 15 to 18 percent, adding to the concerns of the sector.

That is to meet tax collection targets agreed with the International Monetary Fund which is offering the government a $2.9bn bailout package to tide over the country’s worst economic crisis since independence.

Businesses catering to tourists are already paying a Tourism Development Levy, Income Tax and Turnover Tax.

“When all these taxes are imposed on us, our production costs go up. So we become an expensive tourist destination,” Abeywickrama, an industry veteran who is also on the government’s tourism advisory committee, said.

“Tourism is driven by the private sector and is important to generate revenue. So the government must protect us and encourage us to remain in business. They shouldn’t kill the goose that lays golden eggs”.

The tourism sector is also asking the government to provide relief on their mounting debt and the multiple electricity and water tariff hikes imposed since last year.

Tour operators and safari four-wheel drive drivers say they have to put up with old vehicles as the government banned vehicle imports in early 2020 to control dollar outflows.

“The vehicle fleet is over 15 to 20 years old, which is a challenge with more breakdowns and high cost of repairs,” Nishad Wijetunga, the president of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), told Al Jazeera.

“Vehicle imports have not been allowed for the sector in spite of making requests and having discussions with the authorities”.

Brain drain

The mass migration of Sri Lankans to other countries in search of jobs has also hurt the tourism industry.

More than 280,000 Sri Lankans, including 78,000 skilled workers and nearly 16,900 professionals, have migrated this year, according to figures obtained by Al Jazeera from the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.

Skilled workers make up less than 40 percent of the tourism sector, the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM), the capacity-building arm of Sri Lanka Tourism, has said.

To create skilled staff and retain them, the institute is conducting training programmes that require participants to work in the local hospitality sector for a year to receive their certification.

“Since we are investing in the training, we are bringing in a payback component, which is they have to work in the country to receive the certification,” SLITHM Chairman Shirantha Peiris said last month.

‘Optimistic for 2024’

Still, a buoyant Sri Lankan tourism authority is targeting 2.3 million tourist arrivals and $4.6bn in revenue next year.

To achieve this, the country has launched its first global tourism marketing campaign in 16 years, under the tagline “You Will Come Back For More”.

“We have identified nine tourist markets in which our digital marketing campaigns will be strengthened next year. We will also be getting vloggers and influencers to visit our country and produce promotional content,” Fernando said.

In late October, the government announced it will issue free tourist visas to visitors from seven countries, including China, India and Russia. This initiative, launched as a pilot project, will run until March 31, 2024.

Many tourists are already convinced.

In Mount Lavinia, a suburb of Colombo, 29-year-old Spanish national Guillem Fox was strolling along the beach with his French partner Mathilde Flachot.

“We will be travelling around the country, visiting wildlife sanctuaries, the tea plantations and maybe try out surfing in the south,” Fox told Al Jazeera. The couple plan to stay for about a month. “From the moment we arrived, the people have been really helpful,” he said.

“That’s a really nice feeling.”

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Sri Lanka tourist arrivals up by 189-pct in March 2024

Monday April 1, 2024 2:20 pm

ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s tourist arrivals rose 189 percent to 635,782 persons in January to March 2024 from a year ago, led by India, data from the Sri Lanka Tourist Development Authority showed.

Sri Lanka last got this level of visitors in 2019, before  the coronavirus pandemic, when 344 328 visitors came to the country in March. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka welcomed 209,181 tourists  in March 2024.

India was the largest source market in March at 31,853, followed by Russia at 28,016, the United Kingdom (21,540) and Germany (18,324).

Sri Lanka is targeting 2.3 million visitors in 2024 after getting 1.48 million visitors in 2023. (Colombo/Apr01/2024)

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1 Sri Lanka IVS-GBS-VFS Global high-priced visa hits fresh controversy

2 sri lanka to 'take rpcs back' if wage hike order is not followed: minister, 3 sri lanka key services help inflows outpace imports by $514mn in march, 4 sri lanka to remove hotel minimum room rate, breakfast controls from end may, 5 srilankan airlines regrets for flight delays to and from london, sri lanka to remove hotel minimum room rate, breakfast controls from end may.

Friday May 3, 2024 7:03 pm

ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka will remove controversial minimum room rates imposed on hotels from May 2024, and allow competition to return to the industry, Tourism Minister Harin Fernando said.

“There is good news, we are taking out the minimum room rate from the 30th of this month,” Minister Fernando told reporters in Colombo Friday.

“I think the market forces have to run. That’s what we believe in also, but there was a reason that this was. Even if we put the minimum room rate, Shangri-La and all sell for much higher rates – they go 180-200.With ITC coming they have lifted the benchmark.

“So it is up to the hotels also to do their own marketing and they also have to go out there , do their marketing, get their promotions done.”

“Because we are the tourism ministry, we are responsible for this, but it is also the responsibility of the tourism agencies who also work on their own marketing campaigns.”

Other hoteliers also echoed Minister Fernando’s words.

Angeline Ondaatjie, Chairperson of several Tangerine group hotels told reporters in Colombo, that as a hotelier she naturally wanted the highest price but it was not possible to get the highest price from all properties at all locations just because the owner wanted it.

Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya for example was marketed at a high rate, but the same could not be done at a hotel in the Southern Beach strip.

Because prices were dynamic it also could not be done all year around.

“People think that just increasing your price is a marketing tool,” Ondaatjie said. ‘It is not. If you want to sell a hotel, it has to be competitive, within the region, within the country as well within the whole of South East Asia.

“People say we are cheaper than Maldives. And everyone will come here. It does not work like that.”

Bobby Hansen from the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators said market forces had to operate as large groups in particular expected lower prices.

Priyantha Fernando said the agency had achieved its objective of pushing up incomes of city hotels.

“We achieved the objectives, city hotels occupancy went up to 70 percent-71 per cent from around 46 percent over the last 6 months,” he said.

“Also the income generated increased by 33 percent within the city of colombo so dollar earning terms we have achieved our objectives and its up to the hoteliers to continue with the demand for the policy.”

Paddy Paul who had been in the MICE tourism industry for several decades said the Indian market was particularly hit due to the minimum room rate.

Rooms in Dubai were going at 90 dollars, she said. In Sri Lanka authorities were auditing hotels and no sweetners could be offered.

“They cannot give an extra night, they cannot give anything FOC,” Paul said. “So where is the market dynamics?”

The minimum room rate had also come with breakfast controls.

“If you are a five star you cannot sell your room with breakfast below a certain price. This is the absurdity of the price control,” Ondaatjie said.

Though hoteliers owned the hotel, their hands were tied in not only in selling the room but also for breakfast.

The minimum room may have done some damage already for 2024.

A European operator, who was running summer charters to Sri Lanka last year, had decided to bypass Sri Lanka this year as costs were suddenly higher, Ondaatjie said.

On inquiry she found that informally some hotels in the area had decided to follow high prices, after a good winter season on top of higher airport charges, which made Sri Lanka no longer viable.

Now prices are coming down due to lost customers to levels where they would not have gone away, she said.

Paul said all this was projected by Advocata Institute, a think tank, which said the price controls was a overreach of the state.

IVS-GBS-VFS Global high-priced visa crisis, which replaced the quick and easy, electronic visa by the Department of Immigration had come on top of the minimum room rates, just as the lean season hit. (Colombo/May03/2024)

IFC to invest Rs3.7bn in Sri Lanka’s Sunshine Healthcare

Friday May 3, 2024 7:02 pm

ECONOMYNEXT – Washington-based International Finance Corporation has agreed to invest 3.7 billion rupees in Sunshine Healthcare Lanka Limited, its parent said.

Sunshine Healthcare was at the moment, a 100 percent owned unit of Sunshine Holdings Plc.

IFC will invest the funds as equity “subject to the performance of agreed conditions precedent set out in the Subscription Agreement executed between the parties today, including the execution of additional transactional documentation.”

Sunshine Holdings will make further announcements on the dilution of its holding in the future.

The advisors to the transaction for Sunshine was Asia Securities. (Colombo/May03/2024)

Sri Lanka rupee closes weaker at 297.15/35 to US dollar

Friday May 3, 2024 5:06 pm

ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s rupee closed at 297.15/35 to the US dollar on Friday from 296.80/297.10 the previous day, dealers said.

Bond yields were down, dealers said.

A bond maturing on 15.12.2026 closed down at 10.70/75 percent from 10.75/85 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.09.2027 closed down at 11.00/15 percent from 11.10/20 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.03.2028 closed down at 11.45/55 percent from 11.50/60 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.09.2029 closed down at 11.80/12.05 percent from 11.85/12.00 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.05.2030 closed stable at 12.10/20 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.10.2032 closed down at 12.30/35 percent from 12.30/40 percent. (Colombo/May03/2024)

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Tourist arrivals to surpass 2 mn by end 2024

S ri Lanka tourism arrivals are projected to surpass the 2 million mark by the end 2024 and most importantly are expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels by 2025. Tourist arrivals have consistently exceeded expectations since the fourth quarter of 2023, signaling a robust recovery trajectory for the hotels and tourism sector.

As predicted 2024 commenced on a positive trajectory, with Sri Lanka welcoming more than 200,000 arrivals for the first three consecutive months, notes First Capital Research in their TOURISM SECTOR IN SRI LANKA “Travel Boom with Rising Trends” review.

“However, with the winter season drawing to a close, a slowdown in tourist arrivals is anticipated in the upcoming period. Based on the historical trend, potential pickup is forecasted for July 2024.”

Tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka have consistently lagged behind those of the Maldives over the past four years. However, the YTD figures for 2024 indicate a significant shift, with Sri Lanka surpassing the Maldives in tourist arrivals. This surge can be attributed to a notable increase in Indian travelers visiting Sri Lanka.

The spike in Indian arrivals to Sri Lanka follows a diplomatic row between India and the Maldives, leading to a boycott of Maldives by many Indian tourists. Consequently, Sri Lanka’s tourism sector appears to be benefiting greatly as a preferred destination for Indian travelers. Amid declining Indian travelers, the Maldives has successfully attracted Chinese tourists, who now dominate its source market. Chinese travelers are known for their higher spending habits, ranking first globally in tourism expenditure even during the pandemic.

Sri Lanka’s primary source markets, such as India, Russia, the UK, and China, are still striving to attain pre-pandemic outbound tourism levels presents an opportunity for the Sri Lankan tourism sector to focus efforts on regaining its presence in these key markets.

“Additionally, the depreciation of the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) has become a significant factor, making holidays in Sri Lanka more financially feasible compared to pre-pandemic times.’

Among the 50 countries offering digital nomad visas, Sri Lanka stands out as the best value for money, boasting an average monthly cost of living at USD 624.0. This represents a 14% savings in disposable income compared to the second most affordable country on the list.

“This trend underscores the need for robust further development initiatives to enhance the country’s tourism offerings and prolong visitor stays, thereby maximizing economic benefits.”

While the average duration of stay (nights) in Sri Lanka (8.4 days) remains comparable to regional peers, there has been a marginal contraction compared to 2022.

The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now.

Sri lanka launches new e-visa system: everything you need to know.

Sri Lanka launched an e-visa system, streamlining the visa application process for travellers. The initiative offers updated requirements, fees, and validity periods, enhancing efficiency and convenience for various nationalities visiting for tourism, business, or transit.

• Police Clearance report.
• If the applicant has stayed in another country for more than 6 months, a Police clearance from that country and a copy of the Visa.
• Certificate from a Sri Lankan guarantor & a photocopy of the guarantor's NIC.
• Affidavit from a Sri Lankan JP (Justice of Peace) or a Lawyer.
• Accommodation information (Place of stay).
• Visit the official website of Sri Lanka eVisa.
• Create an account or log in if you already have one.
• Fill out the online application form with accurate details.
• Upload the required documents, including a scanned copy of your passport, a recent photograph, and any additional documents specified for your eVisa category.
• Pay the eVisa fee securely online using the available payment options.
• Once your application is submitted and payment is confirmed, you will receive an acknowledgment receipt and a unique application reference number.
• Track the status of your eVisa application online using your reference number.
• Upon approval, download and print your eVisa to present to the Immigration officer at the port of entry in Sri Lanka.
• A printed copy of your eVisa approval letter issued by the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration.
• Your passport with a validity of at least six months from the date of entry into Sri Lanka.
• A return ticket or proof of onward travel from Sri Lanka.

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