Sri Lanka sets sights on becoming global tourism powerhouse

Tourism Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe 

• Tourism Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe outlines Govt. strategy combining inclusive development, international collaboration and strategic branding while preserving rich cultural heritage 

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is gaining momentum, with the Government unveiling an ambitious vision to position the country as a top global destination. 

Tourism Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe recently outlined a strategy that combines inclusive development, international collaboration, and strategic branding to transform the industry, whilst preserving Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

He said the series of global accolades in early 2025 has reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s growing stature on the world travel map. 

“The Colombo to Badulla train journey was ranked among the world’s best by Lonely Planet, while BBC Travel featured Sri Lanka in its ‘25 Best Places to Travel in 2025’ list and Travel and Tour World (TTW) recognised the country as a ‘Top Destination for Families with Young Children (Generation Beta).’ Other recognitions include Sigiriya being declared the ‘World’s Most Welcoming City’ by Booking.com, the Pekoe Trail securing a spot in TIME’s ‘World’s Greatest Places of 2025’, and National Geographic showcasing Sri Lanka’s most scenic train ride. Luxury travel publications such as Condè Nast Traveler and World Travel Magazine have also showcased the country’s appeal, particularly its beach resorts and off-the-beaten-path experiences,” he listed out. 

Prof. Ranasinghe said these recognitions underscore Sri Lanka’s growing stature in the global arena and affirm its reputation as a family-friendly and culturally rich destination.

At the heart of the Government’s tourism development strategy, he said, is a commitment to inclusive participation, ensuring that the benefits of growth are reflected across the country.

The Deputy Minister noted that a significant initiative involves the development of 100 selected rural destinations, with Rs. 100 million allocated to improving infrastructure and accessibility. 

“By integrating rural communities into the tourism value chain, the Government aims to drive economic empowerment and social development,” he explained.

Prof. Ranasinghe outlined city branding as another key focus area, with Rs. 500 million from the 2025 Budget dedicated to positioning Sri Lanka’s urban destinations as vibrant hubs for international visitors.

“The initiative targets a diverse range of travellers, from families and luxury seekers to adventure enthusiasts, by enhancing the cultural, recreational, and lifestyle offerings of Sri Lanka’s cities,” he noted. 

In a push for international partnerships, Prof. Ranasinghe extended an open invitation to global tourism institutions and businesses to collaborate with Sri Lanka.

“We warmly welcome you to experience Sri Lanka’s real and heartfelt hospitality. By extending your support, you can be a part of an inspiring success story while enjoying the unmatched beauty, culture, and warmth that our nation offers,” he said.

The Deputy Minister also stated that the Government is actively seeking foreign investment and expertise to boost tourism infrastructure and introduce innovative solutions. By engaging with international stakeholders, Sri Lanka aims to build a resilient and competitive tourism ecosystem, capitalising on emerging trends such as Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) and Bleisure (Business + Leisure) tourism. 

Beyond economic gains, Prof. Ranasinghe said the Government is positioning tourism as a driver of social transformation. Training programs, small business support, and cultural preservation projects are designed to integrate Sri Lankans from all backgrounds into the tourism economy, to ensure that growth translates into tangible benefits for communities.

“With an ambitious target of attracting 5 million tourists by 2030, the focus is not merely on volume – but on elevating service standards and visitor experiences,” he said, adding that investments in infrastructure, hospitality training, and sustainable tourism initiatives are expected to play a crucial role in achieving this goal.

“This is a collective mission that unites our people and invites the world to join hands with us. Together, we will create a legacy of success, empowerment, and global recognition to ensure a brighter future for all Sri Lankans,” he said.