Indian firm to manage three international airports in Sri Lanka: Harin 

Tourism and Lands Minister Harin Fernando unveiled ambitious plans to engage a prominent Indian company to oversee the management of key international airports in the country to cater to the influx of tourists. 

This ground-breaking announcement was made during the Sri Lanka Tourism Networking Evening held recently in Mumbai, underscoring the Government’s commitment to boost infrastructure and strengthen closer ties with India. 

The airports slated for management by India’s Adani Group include the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake, the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in Hambantota, and the Colombo International Airport in Ratmalana. 

Minister Fernando expressed optimism about this collaboration, emphasising the transformative potential it holds for Sri Lanka’s tourism and aviation sector.

“Indian companies are going to take over three of our major airports, which is going to be a phenomenal decision for us,” he said, adding it was necessary to facilitate the growing number of travellers.

With India being the single biggest source market for tourism, Minister Fernando outlined his ambitious focus on tapping into the vast potential of the Indian market. 

He underscored the strategic importance of strengthening partnerships with Indian companies to drive tourism growth and economic development in Sri Lanka.

In addition to airport management, Minister Fernando highlighted initiatives to enhance domestic transportation infrastructure, including the operation of a domestic airline and ferry services. 

“We spoke with an Indian company to operate a helicopter in Sri Lanka to do domestic transportation. These efforts aim to improve connectivity within Sri Lanka and facilitate seamless travel experiences for tourists and locals alike,” he added.

Sri Lanka is targeting 2.3 million arrivals in 2024 and is quite hopeful of reaching the target. 

“By 2030, we hope to attract four to five million visitors. We have 60 cruisers that have been booked to dock in Sri Lanka. This is why we have to go for massive development projects,” Minister Fernando elaborated, underscoring the Government’s ambitious goals for tourism growth over the coming years.

Fernando also underscored the importance of tapping into India’s burgeoning middle-income market, expressing confidence that attracting even a modest percentage of India’s 50 million tourists would yield significant dividends for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.

Furthermore, he revealed plans to launch 360 degrees a global marketing blitz aimed at positioning Sri Lanka as a premier tourist destination. 

“We are going to have tram branding and London underground branding. I am quite hopeful Sri Lanka tourism will be right up there,” he expressed with optimism.

He also shared the exciting news of collaborating with a top Indian cricketer to endorse Sri Lanka through a commercial campaign, leveraging the player’s popularity to boost tourism awareness in India.

Encouraging investment in the country’s burgeoning tourism sector, Minister Fernando highlighted the country’s affordability and potential for lucrative returns. 

He welcomed Indian investors to explore opportunities in boutique villa development, citing Sri Lanka as an attractive investment destination with promising prospects.

Fernando extended a warm invitation to all to experience the beauty and hospitality of Sri Lanka, affirming the country’s readiness to welcome visitors from around the world.

Expressing gratitude, the Minister extended thanks to the Indian Government and its people for its unwavering support during challenging times, both for tourism and the broader economic landscape.