Addressing tourism and industry stakeholders, the Minister said LilyLanka is a locally developed solution designed to reduce dependence on foreign booking platforms, which often take a significant portion of revenue out of the country. He stressed that by encouraging travellers to book through national platforms, Sri Lanka can retain more income and strengthen its tourism economy.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Government, hotels, tour operators, and travel agencies to ensure the platform’s success. “Digital tools are no longer optional; they shape how travellers discover destinations and make reservations,” he said.
LilyLanka is part of Sri Lanka’s broader push towards a digital economy and smart tourism, providing a national framework for managing traveller data. According to the Minister, such data-driven approaches will help authorities plan, promote, and market the island more effectively, while also improving overall visitor experiences.
Industry representatives welcomed the initiative, noting that a national booking platform could streamline operations for local providers and offer more competitive pricing to international tourists, thereby enhancing Sri Lanka’s position as a global destination.
The launch signals the Government’s intent to modernize tourism infrastructure, combining digital innovation with local economic benefits to support the industry’s post-pandemic recovery.
