November 02, Colombo (LNW): Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath has announced that the government intends to amend the existing Tourism Act in order to accelerate the development of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.
He explained that the current legal framework is no longer sufficient to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving global tourism industry. To address this, a team of specialists has been appointed to draft the necessary amendments and lay the foundation for a more dynamic and coordinated tourism strategy.
The Minister revealed that the government’s long-term vision includes the creation of a National Tourism Commission to serve as a unified body overseeing policy implementation and coordination among all tourism-related institutions. Additionally, joint tourism committees will be formed at both district and tourism zone levels to ensure better regional representation and local engagement.
Herath stressed that these structural and legislative changes are designed to streamline administration, attract investment, and enhance the quality of the visitor experience, ultimately positioning Sri Lanka as a leading travel destination in the region.
He also highlighted that the country continues to experience strong tourism growth, with more than 1.8 million foreign visitors arriving between January 01 and October 29, 2025. The month of October alone recorded 153,063 tourist arrivals, reflecting steady confidence in Sri Lanka’s appeal among international travellers.
