August 04, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has emerged as a vital pillar in the country’s economic recovery, generating an impressive US$ 3.7 billion in revenue within the first half of the year. The projection for the remainder of 2025 is equally promising, with a similar amount expected to be added to the national income by December.
This positive outlook was shared by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath, during his address at a religious event held at the historic Seeta Amman Kovil in Nuwara Eliya. The Minister described tourism as one of the few engines capable of propelling the country out of its recent economic hardships.
With a target of attracting three million visitors this year, the government is actively positioning Sri Lanka as a premier destination for both leisure and spiritual tourism. So far, approximately 1.3 million tourists have entered the country in 2025, contributing significantly to foreign exchange reserves and bringing renewed energy to a sector that had been battered by the pandemic and economic collapse in prior years.
Minister Herath acknowledged that Indian nationals make up the largest proportion of foreign visitors, with a substantial number travelling for religious reasons. Sacred sites such as the Koneswaram Temple in Trincomalee and the revered shrine at Kataragama continue to draw steady streams of pilgrims from across the Palk Strait. “This religious and cultural connection is one of our strongest assets,” the Minister said, emphasising that faith-based tourism is playing a critical role in both people-to-people ties and economic rejuvenation.
In his remarks, the Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to revitalising the industry through targeted infrastructure upgrades, improved service quality, and international partnerships. He also highlighted the importance of diversifying the country’s tourism appeal to include wellness, eco-tourism, and heritage experiences, all of which hold strong potential for growth.
