The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) has successfully concluded a series of Sri Lanka Tourism Awareness Sessions across New Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, reaffirming the island’s readiness to welcome visitors and deepening engagement with India’s travel trade and media fraternity.
The sessions were attended by H.E. Mahishini Colonne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India; Mr. Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman, and Ms. Shirani Herath, Assistant Director, SLTPB; Mr. Nalin Jayasundera, President, SLAITO; Mr. Anura Lokuhetty, Past President, THASL; and Mr. Fawzan Fareid, Regional Manager – India, Bangladesh & Nepal, SriLankan Airlines. The Mumbai session was graced by Ms. Priyanga Wickremasinghe, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai, while H.E. Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Chennai, attended the Chennai session.
The panel shared insights on destination preparedness, accommodation capacity, enhanced air connectivity, and collaborative opportunities between Sri Lanka and India’s tourism ecosystem. Emphasising India’s role as Sri Lanka’s leading source market, delegates highlighted the country’s resilience, diverse tourism offerings, and continued commitment to safe, high-quality travel experiences.
In 2025, Sri Lanka welcomed 2,362,521 international visitors, marking an all-time record. India contributed 531,511 arrivals, accounting for 22.3 per cent of the total market share — its highest-ever share to date.
“Last year marked a historic milestone for Sri Lanka Tourism, with total arrivals reaching record highs and India emerging as our largest source market,” said a representative from the SLTPB. “Our focus is to ensure that Indian travellers experience seamless connectivity, exceptional hospitality, and diverse experiences across leisure, wellness, culture, wildlife, MICE, and destination weddings.”
The awareness sessions featured presentations, panel discussions, and Q&A interactions addressing trade and media queries while outlining measures to ensure uninterrupted tourism services and enhanced visitor confidence. The initiative forms part of SLTPB’s ongoing outreach programme to position Sri Lanka as a preferred year-round destination for Indian travellers, supported by collaborative efforts across government, airlines, and the private sector.
