tourism department in sri lanka

Metadata Catalogue

• Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority

Brief Description of the organization

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) is the official institution tasked with establishing, positioning, and developing Sri Lanka as a leading destination for international visitors and it is responsible for tapping into Sri Lanka’s natural potential to expand and enhance its tourism offering while benefitting investors and supporting communities, in a sustainable manner.

Prior to SLTDA being established in 2007, these functions primarily resided with the organization known as Ceylon Tourist Board / Sri Lanka Tourist Board / Sri Lanka Tourism Board which was set up in 1966 by the government of Sri Lanka an one instructional framework created under Ceylon Tourist board Act No. 10 of 1966.

Then The Tourism Development Act of 1968 provided the Ceylon Tourist Board with the statutory authority to develop tourism in a planned and controlled basis and allowed to obtain lands for development process. The Act also conferred powers for the Protection of Highways and Places of Scenic Beauty and vested authority in the Ceylon Tourist Board for the Registration and Classification of Tourist Hotels and all other tourist services.

The Tourism Act No 2005 came into effect in October 2007. With the circulation of the new Tourism act, the Sri Lanka Tourist Board Act No 10 of 1966, which was in effect for the past 41 years, was replaced. In terms of the provisions contained in the new act, the Tourism Development Fund was legally constituted, with 2 main sources remitting finances to the fund. By way of 1/3 of the Airport Tax collections and 1% of the Turnover of all Sri Lanka Tourist Board registered establishments. The Act provided for the setting up of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), thereby replacing the Sri Lanka Tourist Board. The new Tourism Boards set up under the new Tourism Act are:

• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau
• Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management
• Sri Lanka Convention Bureau

To be recognized as the world's finest island for memorable, authentic and diverse experiences.

To be a high-value destination offering extraordinary experiences that reflect Sri Lanka's natural and cultural heritage, are socially inclusive and environmentally responsible, and provide economic benefits to communities and the country.

Data contributions

Hotels, Restaurants, Hotel Proposed, Tourism hot spots, Bank ATM, Shopping Malls, SLTDA Parcels

Role of SDI in their Business Process

Initial use case for NSDI was to develop a platform for investors to identify correct location for tourism investment (investor insights platform). There will be additional use case developed on NSDI on the completion of the said platform.

Name(s): Mr. Janath Palmadulla Junior Manager - Web ICT Department Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Tel :+94 112 426 900 | Ext: 110

Meet the locals:

• Tourism News
• Wildlife Streaming
• Board of Directors
• Tourism Publications
• Important Notices
• Tender Documents

Tourism Hotline: 1912

• Sri Lanka At A Glance
• International Endorsements
• 10 Good Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka
• Marvels of Sri Lanka
• World Class Sri Lanka
• Sri Lankan Legends

12 Things to Do in Colombo

• Suggested Itineraries
• Lesser Known Attractions

Sri Lankan Heritage

Provincial Tourism

• Tourist Map of Sri Lanka
• Interactive Map
• Tourist Attractions
• Beach Holidays
• Wild Safaris
• Adventure Sports
• Adventure Tours
• Whale Watching
• Discover The Past
• Nature Trails
• Scenic Beauty
• Meetings & Conferences
• Colombo City Tour
• Eco Tourism
• Tourist Friendly Eating Places
• Spa & Wellness Centers
• Spice Gardens
• Tourist Shops
• Arts and Crafts
• Volunteer Tourism
• Research Tourism
• Things to See
• Buy Gemstone
• Upcoming Events
• Visa Requirements
• Plan Your Trip
• Visa Services
• Online Services
• Sri Lankan Embassies
• Travel Tips
• Travel Habits

Getting Around

• Distance Calculator
• Sri Lanka Weather
• Emergency Services
• Sri Lankan Public Holidays 2022
• Best Of Sri Lanka
• Tour Guides
• Authorized Tourist Drivers
• Authorized Tuk Tuk Drivers
• Buy E-Tickets for Attractions
• Travel Magazines and Directories
• Tourist Information System (Kiosks)
• Currency Converter
• Travel Apps
• Foreign Embassies
• Travel Agents
• Doing Business in Sri Lanka
• Online Booking
• Hotels & Other Accommodation
• Newly Registered Hotels & Other Accommodation
• Explore the Sri Lanka's Best
• National Holiday Resorts (Also Known as "Tourist Board Guest Houses")
• Travel Blog
• SLTPB Promotional KIT
• E-Brochures & Attraction Guides
• Management Team
• Supplier Registration 2018
• Plan a business event test
• Chinese New Year 2018
• What the world has to say
• Your Complaints

The 15 Best Islands in the World

  Meet the locals

Sun & Beach

This entire island gifted by shining blue water. Therefore, Sri Lanka is most popular for beaches among tourists.   Read More

In Sri Lanka, you can discover rich and enormous cultural heritage.  Read More

Adventure & Sports

In Sri Lanka, you can get experience in water base, air base, earth base and many kinds of activities.  Read More

•  Pilgrimage
•  Ayurveda
•  Nature Trails
•  Meetings & Conferences
•  Things to See
•  Eco Tourism
•  Shopping
•  Night Life
•  Buy Gemstone
•  Spa & Wellness Centers
•  Discover The Past
•  Dining
•  Tourist Shops
•  Spice Gardens
•  Tourist Friendly Eating Places

Events & Festivals

You can participate to Sri Lanka's cultural festivals and events, and it gives you to chance experience in unique cultural rituals. Read More

within this you can easily find out proper tour itineraries to explore the Sri Lanka. Read More

Mirissa Whale Watching

Blue whales are the biggest animal live on the earth and Mirissa is the one of most suitable spot to watch blue whales and other whales too.  Read More

Yala National Park

This is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka.Yala is home to Asian elephants, leopards and variety of beautiful endemic birds.  Read More

sigiriya popular as eighth wonder of the world among the tourists and it was the one of Asia's oldest landscaped garden.  Read More

•  Gall Fort
•  Hikkaduwa Beach
•  Dambulla Cave Temple
•  Wild Safaris
•  Colombo City Tour
•  See All Attractions

Colombo is the commercial and financial capital of the Sri Lanka. This city filled with luxurious hotels,restaurants and many variety of attractions.   Read More

Sri Lanka have divergent nine provincials.Select what you most prefer provincial in here and travel like your own way.   Read More

Southern Corridor

Many of gorgeous beaches are located in southern province of Sri Lanka and not at all, this city is home to ancient British and Dutch architectural buildings and many of ancient religious sites.  Read More

•  Northwest Province
•  Sabaragamuwa Province

Explore Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is the treasure of island for all tourists. You can discover variety of natural, cultural and historical heritages within few hours.  Read More

Sri Lanka at a Glance

As a pearl of the Indian ocean Sri Lanka have unique cultural, geological features. Those things will help you to find out new experience to your life.  Read More

Weather in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has different weather conditions. Center of the country weather are balmy and other sides being hot. You can feel this different in a one day.  Read More

Public Holidays in Sri Lanka

Full moon Poya days and other religious festivals make the majority of the holidays in Sri Lanka. This will help you to plan a wonderful journey.  Read More

•  Marvels of Sri Lanka
•  International Endorsements
•  Tourist Map of Sri Lanka
•  Currency & converter
•  Sri Lankan Embassies
•  Foreign Embassies
•  Emergency Services
•  Tourism News

Apply for a Visa

General tips and tricks

•  Visa Requirements
•  Visa Services
•  Travel Tips
•  Tour Guides
•  Travel Agents
•  Authorized Tourist Drivers
•  Authorized Tuk Tuk Drivers
•  Transport
•  Travel Magazines and Directories
•  Travel Apps
•  For Business Travellers

Book Your Flights

Book Your Accommodation

You'll be spoilt for choice with the array of Sri Lankan accommodation options. We have star class hotels, home stays, heritage bungalows, boutique hotels to guest houses and rented apartments.  Read More

Book Your Trip

•  Submit Your Travel Inquiry
•  Online Services
•  Buy E-Tickets for Attractions
•  Hotels & Other Accommodation
•  Newly Registered Hotels & Other Accommodation
•  National Holiday Resorts (Also Known as "Tourist Board Guest Houses")

Hello Again Sri Lanka

With a history expanding over 3000years, Sri Lanka holds some of world’s ancient cities including Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Digamadulla; their once glorious townships, palaces, temples, monasteries, hospitals and theaters intricately carved and modeled out of stone lay and abandoned and forgotten with time amidst the soaring jungles. Of all the ancient cities of Lanka, the most famed and most exquisite is the Kingdom of Anuradhapura. Sri Lanka’s third and the longest serving capital and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world is also one of the most sacred cities of World Buddhists. It was the capital of Sri Lanka from the Fourth Century BC up to the turn of the eleventh Century and was one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia.

Sigiriya, a fifth century AD fortress and a water garden displays some of the most futuristic elements of landscaping and some of the oldest murals recorded in the country.

Polonnaruwa, the second most ancient kingdom of the country boasts of Irrigation systems that are far superior to those of the and they still provide irrigation water to the farmers in and around Polonnaruwa.Digamadulla, the Eastern kingdom of Sri Lanka was the agricultural and spiritual capital of the country during the Anuradhapura kingdom.

Sri Lanka’s last kingdom the Kingdome of Kandy is a testament to the Sri Lankan’s ability to pick up and rise from ashes. After being burned and ravaged more than thrice by the invading Portuguese the Kandyan Kingdom still holds beautifully carved and built houses, palaces and temple preserved for nearly 500 years.

Plan Your Visit

• Book Your Holiday Now
• Sri Lanka’s Best
• Accommodation
• Visitor's Say

Attractions

• Submit Your Travel Inquiry
• Lesser Known Tourist Attractions

For site suggestions and errors, please contact    |   Please use Downloads page to get the required software for this site   

© 2024 All Rights Reserved by Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.   Solution by : Fortunacreatives -->

Update May 10, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

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)  
• General Tips (for example: Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines)  

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 .

For Additional Travel Information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)  report.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, sri lanka map, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

Organization Act

• Tourism Development Levy
• Sri Lanka Tourist Attractions
• Tourism News

Sri Lanka Tourism Strategic Plane 2017 - 2020

English Application

Sinhala application, tamil application.

The Tourism Act No 38 of 2005 came into effect in October 2007, replacing the Sri Lanka Tourist Board Act No 10 of 1966, which was in effect for the past 41 years.

In terms of the provisions contained in the new act, the Tourism Development Fund was legally constituted, with 2 main sources, (1/3rd of the Airport Tax collections and 1% of the Turnover of all Sri Lanka Tourist Board registered establishments,) contributing finances to the fund.

The Act provided for the setting up of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, thereby replacing the Sri Lanka Tourist Board. The Tourism Promotion Bureau was set up to manage Marketing and Promotion.

Tourism HRD functions and the Hotels School operations are currently undertaken by the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management. The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau was also restructured as a statutory body like other Institutions to be managed by an independent Board of Management.

The new Tourism Boards set up under the new Tourism Act are:

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau

The Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management

The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau

Other features include:

Tourism Development Fund

Tourism Advisory Committee

Commissioner for Tourism Administration

Tourist Police Division

The Tourism Act No 38 of 2005

World Tourism Day 2022

Let's celebrate and form the future of Sri Lankan tourism that is sustainable, stronger, more inclusive, and empowering for the planet we live in and the people.

Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya district is located in the southern part of the Central Province. Nuwara Eliya city is the capital city which was built entirely during the 19th century by the British.

Kandy District is one of the attractive districts located in the Central Province in Sri Lanka. Kandy city is the capital city which is the second largest city in the country after Colombo.

Matale District is located in the northern part of the Central Province, Sri Lanka and it is home for three World Heritage sites; Dambulla Cave Temple, Sigiriya Fortress and Knuckles Range which attract more tourists.

A mid Country replete with contended tourist and business community

The Department of Trade, Commerce and Tourism - Central Province

Sigiriya or Sinhagiri is an ancient rock fortress located in Matale district.

Sri Lankan Cuisine

In Sri Lanka, each dish has its own story, entwined with the history of the country and its people.

Kandy Esala Perahera

Asia’s most spectacular pageant - Perahera is a Sinhalese word meaning a “procession”; there is probably a small “Perahera” of some sort celebrating some occasion or other somewhere in Sri Lanka every day of the week

Spice Fantasy

The island of Ceylon and its strategic location made it a destination and transit point for traders, merchants and explorers since time immemorial.

Top Destinations

Wasgamuwa national park.

Said to be inhabited centuries ago, it is believed that in the 12th century, King Parakramabahu had built the Kalinga Yo...

Lankathilaka Raja Maha Viharaya

Turn right at the 104 kilometer  post, travel 4 kilometers via Daulagala road to reach this temple in a picturesque sett...

Hakgala Botanical Gardens

The second largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka with the highest altitude of 5,400 feet above sea level, situated on th...

Dambulla Royal Cave Temple

A sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave monastery, with its five sanctuaries, is the largest, best-preserve...

Rethinking Tourism

World tourism day 2022 | visitcentral.

Sri Lankan food  

The island of Ceylon and its strategic location made it a destination and transit point for traders,  merchants  and  ex...

Sri Lankan curries are not necessarily classified according to the main ingredients but rather according to the type of ...

Bit of this and that

With no strict following of a measuring system, village cooks will often indicate how much of an ingredient is needed by...

Asia’s most spectacular pageant

There can be few spectacular as splendid as the Kandy “Esala” perahera. Yet it is far more than a spectacular; more even than a religious festival. With its roots in customs something over 2000 years old and its proper perpetuation a matter of concern, pride and delight to every mw=ember of the culture and ritual, the life and faith of a race.

From August 21 to August 31 | Kandy

The project to develop mudaliwatta as a community-based tourism village.

Mudaliwatta village is located in the Yatinuwara Divisional Secretariat of Kandy district, 1.5 km away from Kadugannawa.

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority

Governor Of Central Province Chief secretary of Central Province Chief Ministry of Central Province

Sri Lanka Tourism

Department of Tourism Studies

What We Offer

• Bachelor of Business Management Hons in Hospitality, Tourism, and Events Management Degree Programme
• Postgraduate Diploma in Education Management
• Diploma in Professional Business Coaching
• MBA in Tourism and Hospitality
• BSc Hons in Sustainable Tourism Development
• Diploma in Community Leadership

• Get Involved

Equipping the tourism industry for a sustainable future

Handover of equipment to SLTDA and the Central Province Tourism Department, and presenting studies on Sigiriya and Knuckles-Riverston

August 30, 2022

Handover of equipment to SLTDA and the Central Province Tourism Department, and presenting studies on Sigiriya and Knuckles-Riverston by representatives from UNDP and EU

Colombo, Sri Lanka, 30 August 2021: Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has been subject to a series of challenges since 2019, followed by the protracted impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and now, the economic crisis. The impacts of these crises have brought to light a host of challenges that continue to compound the hardships of the most vulnerable populations that engage in the tourism industry. 

Placing people first, the Ministry of Tourism and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka with financial assistance from the European Union (EU) in Sri Lanka has been supporting the tourism sector through the ‘Transforming Tourism in Sri Lanka: Emerging from crisis as a strong, resurgent and rebranded industry’ project which has been ongoing for the past year. The project’s central focus is on building a transformed, competitive, and resilient tourism sector, with requisite policies and institutional capacities to deliver unique and sustainable tourism experiences. 

With global and local calls for mainstreaming sustainability principles within all the facets of the tourism sector, SLTDA, with the support of UNDP in Sri Lanka’s BIOFIN programme, established a Sustainability Unit, marking a step forward toward green development within the tourism sector. This morning, with the participation of Ms. Malin Herwig, Office in Charge, UNDP in Sri Lanka and Mr. Edoardo Spacca, Deputy Head of Cooperation, the EU Delegation to Sri Lanka, equipment was handed over to Mr. Priantha Fernando, Chairman, SLTDA for the Sustainability Unit, and to Ms. Anuri Tilakaratne, Provincial Director - Department of Trade, Commerce and Tourism - Central Province, along with Mr. Kumar Joseph De Silva, Chief Technical Advisor - Tourism, UNDP in Sri Lanka to further support their activities. Two Carrying Capacity Studies and the Value Chain Studies conducted for Sigiriya and Knuckles-Riverston were also presented at the meeting to Hon. Harin Fernando, Minister of Tourism and Lands.  Notable attendees included Mr. W.A. Chulananda Perera, Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism and Lands, Mr. Upali Rathnayake, Director - Domestic Tourism & Community Relations, SLTDA, and senior officials of the Ministry. 

Emirates Inks Strategic Tourism Agreements with Hong Kong, Seychelles and Sri Lanka

DUBAI, UAE, 7 May 2024: Underscoring Emirates’ commitment to boost tourism inflows across its network, the airline has reaffirmed its strategic cooperation with Tourism Seychelles and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and has forged a new partnership with the Hong Kong Tourism Board.

Emirates has pledged its renewed commitment with Tourism Seychelles, supporting the island’s efforts to promoting tourism and trade to the country. The MoU was signed by Ahmed Khoory, Emirates’ SVP Commercial - West Asia & Indian Ocean, and Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary Tourism Department, Tourism Seychelles, in the presence of Nabil Sultan, Emirates’ Executive Vice President, Passenger Sales and Country Management.

Commenting on the airline’s commitment to promoting Seychelles to its customer base, Ahmed Khoory, said: “Seychelles is a key leisure destination in our network that we have proudly been operating in since 2005. Our partnership aimed at promoting tourism to the nation goes back to 2013 and we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting its tourism industry. Seychelles is a tourist destination which is highly popular amongst travellers from key markets in our network and we are proud to play a role in driving traffic flows to the island through our efforts.”

Under the agreement Emirates has committed to supporting travel agents and tour operators in key strategic markets in their efforts to promote Seychelles as a leisure destination. This includes the development of special holiday packages and providing other incentives, marketing support and organising familiarisation trips designed to highlight its appeal to global customers.

Emirates also reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to promoting tourism to Sri Lanka.

The MoU was signed by Ahmed Khoory, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial West Asia & Indian Ocean, and Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, in the presence of Honourable Harin Fernando, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs of Sri Lanka and Nabil Sultan, Emirates’ Executive Vice President, Passenger Sales and Country Management.

Now in its 38th year of operating in Sri Lanka, Emirates will continue its efforts to support the island nation’s tourism agenda through the development of special packages designed to appeal to a broader set of audiences and familiarisation trips from key feeder markets.  As part of its wider efforts to support the Indian Ocean nation, Emirates will also engage closely with travel agents and tour operators in key strategic markets to help showcase the destination’s offerings to customers across its global network.

Ahmed Khoory said: “Sri Lanka is one of the very first destinations Emirates launched operations to so our 38-year relationship with the country is one we take special pride in.  We remain committed to deepening our relationship and playing a key role in promoting Sri Lanka as a key leisure destination in our network and contributing to the tourism and trade sectors through our passenger and cargo services.”

Emirates launched its services to Sri Lanka in 1986 and currently operates two direct daily flights to Colombo utilising the Boeing 777-300ER as well as an additional daily service via Male. It is the only international carrier to serve the country with First Class services – offering passengers world-class products and superior comfort in air and on-ground.

Emirates and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will work together with the aim to boost inbound tourism into Hong Kong from key target markets in the Middle East and Europe.

The MoU was signed by Orhan Abbas, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations Far East and Becky IP, Deputy Executive Director of Hong Kong Tourism Board. The agreement not only reaffirms Emirates' commitment to supporting Hong Kong's rebounding travel and tourism industry, but also sets out key joint initiatives shared by both organisations to drive trade and tourism into the city.

Orhan Abbas commented: "We are delighted to establish this strategic partnership with the HKTB to spur growth in the local travel and tourism industry. The city has always been popular among our global customers and it continues to attract visitors all year round thanks to its unique cosmopolitan attractions. Through our extensive global network, we will work closely with the HKTB to introduce travellers from key Middle East and GCC markets to the vibrant culture, Michelin-starred culinary scene and dynamic attractions that Hong Kong has to offer."

The MoU seeks to pursue various joint activities including familiarisation trips, a comprehensive promotional plan, and targeted advertising campaigns.

© 2000 - 2024 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

Background Information

Emirates airline.

The Emirates story started in 1985 when we launched operations with just two aircraft.

Today, we fly the world’s biggest fleets of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, offering our customers the comforts of the latest and most efficient wide-body aircraft in the skies.

We inspire travelers around the world with our growing network of worldwide destinations, industry leading inflight entertainment, regionally inspired cuisine, and world-class service. Read on to find out more.

Company Profile

Check out our pr service.

Zelensky fires implicated group after foiled 'Putin Gift,' launches attack on Moscow

After 12 yrs of teaching: Fake US doctorate lands professor in court

Gunman shoots two police officers in Paris

Moody's raises Jordan's credit rating for the first time in 21 years

TikTok will start to label AI generated videos to “deter prohibited content”

• Ground Reports
• 50-Word Edit
• National Interest
• Campus Voice
• Security Code
• Off The Cuff
• Democracy Wall
• Around Town
• PastForward
• In Pictures
• Last Laughs
• ThePrint Essential

Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has urged the country’s envoys to attract investments and tourists by taking advantage of Sri Lanka’s rich history and natural beauty, a press statement by the Sri Lankan PMO said.

During a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s office, Gunawardena told nine newly appointed ambassadors and the high commissioner that the country’s diplomatic practices have undergone a major transformation and today’s priority is economic diplomacy.

He emphasised the need to strictly follow the foreign policy of peace and nonalignment, which has won the respect of the world, and to work with the Sri Lankan community in respective countries to promote Sri Lanka’s interests.

In particular, Gunawardena stressed the need to promote Buddhist tourism in Bangkok, Hanoi, Beijing, and Yangon.

The new envoys were informed they would be expected to take on a greater role in promoting economic development, investment, and skills development in Sri Lanka.

Gunawardena also expressed confidence that the new team will be successful in attracting investments and tourists to Sri Lanka and stressed the importance of cooperation and collaboration between the government, political parties, and civil society organisations on this front.

Subscribe to our channels on YouTube , Telegram & WhatsApp

Support Our Journalism

India needs fair, non-hyphenated and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. ThePrint – with exceptional reporters, columnists and editors – is doing just that.

Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.

Whether you live in India or overseas, you can take a paid subscription by clicking here .

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Most Popular

Muslim family says after death to 4, acquittals for 6 in nuh gangrape, murders — ‘only 4 didn’t do this’, surge in lending not alarming yet, but india needs to start watching out for excessive credit growth, us campus protests shows up western media hypocrisy. compare how they covered jnu stir.

Required fields are marked *

Copyright © 2024 Printline Media Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved.

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

Sri Lanka reverses decision on third-party visa provider, higher fees after backlash

S ri Lanka has scrapped a decision to charge tourists higher visa fees and has rolled back a move to outsource visa application processing to a private company after a backlash from the travel and tourism industry.

By maintaining the free visa offer and doing away with the external processing, travel experts said the island nation will continue to attract more international visitors from top source markets including India to boost tourism and aid in Sri Lanka's economic recovery.

The Sri Lankan cabinet decided on May 6 to reverse its decision to double tourist visa fees to $100 and said the Immigration and Emigration Department would continue to issue visas upon entry for foreigners, according to a statement from the President’s Office.

Earlier, VFS Global had been allowed to handle visa facilitation.  The move led to widespread criticism from the local travel and tourism industry because the changes resulted in confusion among travellers and complaints from tourists that the process had become cumbersome.

Complications peaked on April 30 when system failures led to extensive delays and long queues at immigration.

Sri Lanka has been rebuilding its tourism sector, which fetched it $2.07 billion in revenue in 2023, after facing challenges brought on by the pandemic and the country's economic and political crises.

New process, many challenges

Sri Lanka's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which was known for its speed and accessibility, was scrapped after the Department of Immigration and Emigration directed travellers to a new visa portal run by VFS Global for online visa applications from April 17. VFS charged travellers an additional $18.5 service fee and $5 convenience fee.

Also read:   New Schengen visa rules: Number of Indians holidaying in EU to rise, benefit friends-relatives segment more

While the earlier process of obtaining an ETA was instant and straightforward, the new system introduced challenges such as an additional layer of documentation, pointed out Mohak Nahta, founder of Atlys, a visa platform.

"One of the reasons Sri Lanka has been a big draw is because it is well connected and the (previous) visa process made it easier to even plan a weekend trip to the country. But with a third party coming, the visa process became difficult because a traveller needed several days of documentation. Such policy changes have a long-term impact because the mindset shifts. Having third parties who are slow, and the process is manual, goes against Sri Lanka because they are competing with destinations like Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia," he said.

In addition to the longer visa processing time, the additional fees levied became a matter of concern for travellers. Despite qualifying for a “free visa,” Indian visitors had to pay about $23 (Rs 1,920) just towards service and convenience charges, Nadeem Sheikh, owner of a travel company in New Delhi, told The Hindu newspaper. Sheikh had recently applied for a Sri Lankan visa online.

“If they tell us this is the visa fee, that is one thing. But when you’re told the visa is free and then charged for it, it puts you off,” he said.

Also read:   Schengen visa delay, refusal, high wait time leave Indians simmering this summer

India a big source market

India was the top source of tourists for Sri Lanka last year. Over 300,000 people from India visited the island nation in 2023, which accounted for 20 percent of the total arrivals of 1.48 million last year, according to data on the website of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority said over 425,000 Indian tourists visited the country in 2019, before the pandemic, comprising about 18 percent of total international arrivals.

"Due to its proximity to India, Sri Lanka has been a favourable destination for Indians for a long time now. And they made visa free for Indians, which became an added reason for Indians to travel to Lanka," said Ajay Prakash, a board member of the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH).

In October, Sri Lanka waived visa fees for tourists from India and six other countries — China, Russia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Japan.

"Since it is close by and a cheaper destination, Sri Lanka has become a popular travel destination for Indians," said Rajiv Mehra, president of the Indian Association of Tour Operators.

The spike in Indian tourists visiting Sri Lanka was cited as the primary reason for the surge in tourist arrivals in the island nation in January, with the number of Indian visitors more than doubling, noted Vijay Kesavan, founder of StampThePassport, an online visa application platform.

The visa-free entry scheme was a pilot project that Sri Lanka renewed for visitors from India and six other countries to make travel more accessible and convenient.

• Latest News
• Emergencies
• Ask the Law
• GN Fun Drive
• Visa+Immigration
• Phone+Internet
• Reader Queries
• Safety+Security
• Banking & Insurance
• Dubai Airshow
• Corporate Tax
• Top Destinations
• Corporate News
• Electronics
• Home and Kitchen
• Consumables
• Saving and Investment
• Budget Living
• Expert Columns
• Community Tips
• Cryptocurrency
• Cooking and Cuisines
• Guide to Cooking
• Art & People
• Friday Partner
• Daily Crossword
• Word Search
• Philippines
• Australia-New Zealand
• Corrections
• From the Editors
• Special Reports
• Pregnancy & Baby
• Learning & Play
• Child Health
• For Mums & Dads
• UAE Success Stories
• Live the Luxury
• Culture and History
• Staying Connected
• Entertainment
• Live Scores
• Point Table
• Top Scorers
• Photos & Videos
• Course Reviews
• Learn to Play
• South Indian
• Arab Celebs
• Health+Fitness
• Gitex Global 2023
• Best Of Bollywood
• Special Features
• Investing in the Future
• Know Plan Go
• Gratuity Calculator
• Notifications
• Prayer Times

Emirates ink strategic tourism agreements with Hong Kong, Seychelles and Sri Lanka

Agreements reaffirm Emirates' strategic cooperation and forges new partnership

Dubai: Emirates has reaffirmed its strategic cooperation with Tourism Seychelles and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and has forged a new partnership with the Hong Kong Tourism Board.

Emirates has pledged its renewed commitment to Tourism Seychelles, supporting the island's efforts to promote tourism and trade in the country.

Commenting on promoting Seychelles to its customer base, Ahmed Khoory, Emirates’ SVP Commercial - West Asia & Indian Ocean, said: "'Seychelles is a key leisure' destination in our network that we have proudly been operating in since 2005. Our partnership to promote tourism to the nation goes back to 2013, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting its tourism industry."

Under the agreement, Emirates has committed to supporting travel agents and tour operators in key strategic markets in their efforts to promote Seychelles as a leisure destination. This includes developing special holiday packages and providing other incentives, marketing support, and organising familiarisation trips designed to highlight Seychelles' appeal to global customers.

Now in its 38th year of operating in Sri Lanka, Emirates will continue its efforts to support the island nation's tourism agenda, including the development of special packages designed to appeal to a broader set of audiences and familiarisation trips from key feeder markets.

As part of its broader efforts to support the Indian Ocean nation, Emirates will also engage closely with travel agents and tour operators in key strategic markets to help showcase the destination's offerings to destination's its global network.

Ahmed Khoory said: "Sri Lanka is one of the very" first destinations Emirates launched operations to, so our 38-year relationship with the country is one we take special pride in.  We remain committed to deepening our relationship, playing a pivotal role in promoting Sri Lanka as a key leisure destination in our network, and contributing to the tourism and trade sectors through our passenger and cargo services."

Emirates launched its services to Sri Lanka in 1986 and currently operates two direct daily flights to Colombo utilising the Boeing 777-300ER and an additional daily service via Male. It is the only international carrier to serve the country with first-class services.

Emirates and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will collaborate to boost inbound tourism into Hong Kong from key target markets in the Middle East and Europe.

The agreement reaffirms Emirates' commitment to supporting Hong Kong's rebounding travel and tourism industry and sets out key joint initiatives shared by both organisations to drive trade and tourism into the city.

Orhan Abbas commented: "We are delighted to establish this strategic partnership with the HKTB to spur local travel and tourism growth. The city has always been popular among global customers and attracts visitors year-round thanks to its unique cosmopolitan attractions. Through our extensive global network, we will work closely with the HKTB to introduce travellers from key Middle East and GCC markets to the vibrant culture, Michelin-starred culinary scene and dynamic attractions Hong Kong offers."

The MoU seeks to pursue joint activities, including familiarisation trips, a comprehensive promotional plan, and targeted advertising campaigns.

More From Aviation

What's behind recent wave of Boeing plane incidents?

Saudi aims to grow general aviation into a $2b industry

dnata wins major Lufthansa contract in Amsterdam

Emirates returns to Edinburgh with daily A350 service

UAE gold shoppers can now pay by 'advance instalments'

New vs old: UAE sees flood of older iPhone models

Geely's EV maker Zeekr tops US IPO goal to fetch $441m

Air India Express crisis averted: Crew dispute settled

Emirates inks deal to promote Mauritius, Uganda tourism

Uae condemns netanyahu's gaza administration proposal, un backs palestinian bid for membership, emir of kuwait dissolves parliament, uae president condoled over passing of sheikh hazza, ewa, etihad esco ink deal to implement kafa'a programme.

Get Breaking News Alerts From Gulf News

We’ll send you latest news updates through the day. You can manage them any time by clicking on the notification icon.

• Tourism News
• Tourism Development Levy
• Sri Lanka Tourist Attractions

Sri Lanka Tourism Strategic Plane 2017 - 2020

Download Application

English Application

Sinhala application, tamil application, sltda wins the merit award at the 2023 bestweb.lk competition, august 14, 2023.

SLTDA enters into a MoU with NDB Bank to launch a Travel Card

February 26, 2023.

Tourist can top up the card using Forex and start using it at SLTDA registered merchants to enjoy attractive benefits. This will help to ease the country’s economy and bring in a percentage of Forex into the formal channel and both tourist and industry will benefit hrough safe, transparent transactions, with low commission rates. Also it will enable industry to better craft the products according to expenditure patterns.

Design Guideline for the Tourist Accommodation Facilities

July 12, 2022.

The Design Guideline incorporates a set of instructions aiming to help designers via the consolidation of already existing national design regulations and standards and best international practices in one single document.  These sets of instructions are intended to cover the minimum design requirements for tourist accommodation facilities to help designers and builders to create facilities that are functional and aesthetic to tourists, all while leaving space for designers to come up with innovative and creative ideas. 

Sri Lanka Convention Bureau joins with Business Chambers & Associations to resume MICE Tourism.

August 25, 2021.

Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) is a state institute under the Ministry of Tourism with the prime objective of promoting Sri Lanka as a venue for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions & Events) activities.

Sri Lanka Tourism launches membership drive for informal sector supported by Australia’s MDF

August 11, 2021.

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), with the support from Market Development Facility (MDF), Australia’s flagship private sector development program, has launched a membership drive to encourage informal sector tourism operators to register with SLTDA. The membership drive was launched recently with a trilingual video series featuring celebrated cricket legend Kumar Sangakkara.

Sri Lanka Tourism attracts over $950 Million in tourism investments despite Pandemic

August 09, 2021.

Foreign investment is a key driver of economic growth, as is the revenue generated via tourism. As one of its primary exports, tourism remains Sri Lanka’s calling card to the world. Over the last fifteen months (March 2020-June 2021) the government has attracted over $950 million in investments, dedicated to revitalising the island’s burgeoning tourism sector.

Sri Lanka Tourism in partnership with UNDP in Sri Lanka take forward National Sustainable Destination Certification (NSDC) as the 2nd phase of the National Sustainable Tourism Initiative.

August 02, 2021.

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Ministry of Tourism with the technical and financial assistance of UNDP in Sri Lanka has initiated the National Sustainable Destination Certification (NSDC) scheme to transform 9 chosen destinations in 9 provinces with the best sustainable practices as the 2nd phase of the National Sustainable Tourism Initiative.

Sri Lanka Tourism introduces an e-learning platform for all SLTDA registered tourist guides

July 29, 2021.

As an initiative to uplift the reviving tourism industry in the country, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority in collaboration with Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management (SLITHM) have introduced the continuous professional development (CPD) e- learning platform to all registered guides to enhance their knowledge and skills.

World Bank Webinar on Tourism Sustainability and Resilience features Sri Lanka Tourism

July 28, 2021.

Tourism is a key source of export revenues and employment for the Island and Sri Lanka Tourism recognising the potential for the sector, is focused on developing new products, exploring new markets, and positioning Sri Lanka as the ultimate experiential destination. The Authorities further understand that whilst there are emerging opportunities for growth, it is important to recognize the vulnerability of the sector and strategise on mechanisms to champion resilience and sustainability, with the assistance of Global partners such as the World Bank. Sri Lanka’s tourism product is based largely on natural resources, and it would be detrimental to the industry if proper practices and controls are not followed to ensure the sustenance of the sector.

Press Statement : Opening Yala National Park on 8th June 2021

June 06, 2021.

Our attention has been drawn to certain social media posts being widely circulated in the public domain where reference is drawn to tourists brought in by certain individuals.The posts referred to are devoid of truth. We note the wide publicity given to such false posts. There is no such request nor approval given. The ability to visit a ‘Tourist Site’ requires the approval of the respective Line Agency. In this case the Wildlife Department. In the event the Line Agency approves only, can Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority grant approval to visit a site. In this regard we have not received any such request to seek approval to visit Yala National Park.

Sri Lanka Tourism to participate in Sri Lanka Investment Forum (SLIF)

June 05, 2021.

Sri Lanka Tourism will be one of the key sectors highlighted at the upcoming Sri Lanka Investment Forum (SLIF) 2021, the first and largest virtual investor forum in the region scheduled to be held from 7th to 9th June 2021. Opportunities for investments in the tourism sector will be one of the key areas of the forum among 50+ sessions scheduled to reach across two time zones. Sri Lanka Tourism is participating in the forum to promote and position the island as the perfect destination for post-Covid travel and thereby attract foreign direct investors.

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority approves Bolagala Floating Agro Tourism Resort in Katana – a novel Agro Tourism concept.

March 24, 2021.

Bolagala Floating Agro Tourism Resort in Katana located close to the Negombo tourism hub will be the newest addition to the inventory of unique experiences for tourists visiting Sri Lanka. This is the first-ever floating resort in Sri Lanka created adopting an agro-tourism theme consists of 50 floating cabanas, including 10 GPS tracker equipped cabanas that could freely move around the picturesque lake giving visitors an exceptional experience: floating swimming pool, floating restaurant, main restaurant, pub & karaoke lounge, underwater spa, gym are the main components of the project.

SLTDA streamlines the tourism investment approval process with one common application collaborating 18 line agencies.

October 08, 2020.

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has made the tourism investment process easy by streamlining the project approval process and the facilitation services provided by the Investor Relations Unit (IRU) - the unit established within SLTDA as the centralized facilitation arm for tourism investments in the country.

Sri Lanka Tourism and Australia’s MDF to develop five-year plan to transform tourism research

October 06, 2020.

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and Australia’s Market Development Facility (MDF) have joined hands to develop a research roadmap to facilitate Sri Lanka’s position as Asia’s foremost tourism destination....

Press Release: Sri Lanka receives Safe Travels Stamp from World Travel & Tourism Council.

August 20, 2020.

Recognizing the safety protocols introduced by the Government of Sri Lanka along with standards mandated by Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA)to ensure the safety of domestic and international travelers.....