Sri Lanka has launched a transformative Marine Tourism Roadmap aimed at unlocking the potential of its vast ocean resources to foster sustainable economic growth. Spearheaded by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and backed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under its tourism resilience program, the initiative positions marine tourism as a key pillar in the country’s development agenda.
Developed over a year through research, site visits, and stakeholder consultations, the roadmap outlines a strategic framework to develop eco-friendly tourism along the island’s coasts. It proposes both short and long-term plans that emphasize environmental conservation, infrastructure development, and economic inclusivity.
The roadmap was crafted with the guidance of ADB-appointed marine tourism consultant Aleksandra Dragozet, CEO of Sea Going Green, ensuring alignment with global sustainable tourism standards. With Sri Lanka’s maritime zone being nearly seven times its land area, the plan highlights the untapped potential for marine activities such as diving, snorkeling, shipwreck tours, and wildlife watching—all designed to benefit local communities while preserving ecosystems.
Two major marine tourism zones are identified: one from Kalpitiya to Trincomalee with relatively established tourism, and another emerging region including Mannar, Jaffna, and the North Eastern coast, earmarked for future growth.
A 18-member Marine Tourism Steering Committee—including representatives from the Presidential Secretariat, Tourism Ministry, and both public and private stakeholders—validated the final draft. In his keynote, Deputy Tourism Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe underscored the roadmap’s importance in driving inclusive and environmentally responsible growth, while pledging government support for its implementation.
ADB Country Director for Sri Lanka, Takafumi Kadono, praised the inclusive development process and announced ADB’s support for a pilot project in Pasikuda to test scalable practices. He called the roadmap a “model for sustainable development planning.”
SLTDA Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam emphasized that the roadmap is a call for coordinated national action. He stressed the importance of continuous collaboration across government, industry, and civil society to turn Sri Lanka’s coastal strengths into a competitive marine tourism sector.
The roadmap reflects the aspirations of coastal communities, developed through engagement from Negombo to Galle and across new priority areas like Mullaitivu and Mannar. It is seen as a shared vision to transform Sri Lanka’s 1,340 km coastline into a globally attractive, sustainable tourism destination.
