Sri Lanka Aims to Attract 3 Million Tourists in 2025 - Minister

Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, has revealed plans to attract 3 million foreign tourists to the country in 2025. The announcement came during a Budget Committee meeting held today (15), where the Minister addressed the expenditure head of the ministry.

Minister Herath highlighted the promising start to the year, with 500,000 foreign tourists visiting the island in just the first two months of 2025. On average, between 7,000 to 8,000 international visitors are arriving in Sri Lanka daily, reflecting a growing interest in the country's tourism sector.

In response to this surge in tourist arrivals, the government has already launched various initiatives to enhance infrastructure and services for foreign visitors. These improvements are aimed at ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for travelers while boosting the country's tourism industry.

Additionally, the Minister shared that several training programs have been rolled out to uplift individuals directly or indirectly involved in the tourism industry. As part of these efforts, the Institute of Tourism Management has expanded its offerings beyond diploma courses. The government plans to engage with the University Grants Commission in the near future to discuss the introduction of degree programs tailored to the tourism sector.

The Minister’s statements reflect a strong commitment to boosting Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, creating more job opportunities, and enhancing the country’s global appeal as a premier tourist destination.