Sri Lanka Eyes 2.4M Tourist Arrivals in 2025

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka is on track to make 2025 the year of highest tourist arrivals, according to Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, who expressed confidence that the country will reach its target of 2.4 million visitors by December 31.

"We believe this will be the year with the highest number of tourists visiting Sri Lanka. The main reason is the economic and political stability achieved in the country. With no ethnic or religious conflicts and strong national stability, tourists feel safe to visit Sri Lanka," the Minister said.

He noted that while Colombo and the Western Province have a large number of hotel rooms, remote destinations such as Bandarawela, Badulla, Ampara, and Jaffna lack adequate accommodation.

"We need special interventions to develop hotels and tourism facilities in these destinations. The Tourism Board has land available for such projects, and proposals are already being accepted. We invite more investors to come forward," he added.

The Minister emphasized that developing infrastructure and facilities beyond Colombo is critical for sustainable tourism growth, calling for hotels and other tourism-related amenities in emerging destinations.