By: Staff Writer
October 06, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, one of the key pillars of post-crisis economic recovery, is once again in the spotlight, this time over growing public debate surrounding the potential promotion of LGBTQ-oriented tourism. The discussion has sparked concern among religious and cultural leaders, even as the Government clarified that its tourism strategy remains rooted in national values, culture, and heritage.
Speaking at the International Tourism Leaders’ Summit (ITLS) held at the BMICH, Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath categorically stated that the Government has no plans to promote LGBTQ tourism as part of its policy framework. He emphasised that Sri Lanka’s tourism revival has been achieved by prioritising authenticity, heritage, and quality experiences, not by altering its moral or cultural foundations.
“Tourism is not just another industry; it reflects our civilisation and hospitality. We have achieved this remarkable recovery without compromising who we are,” Herath told delegates, including President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, diplomats, and industry stakeholders.
The Minister’s clarification followed expressions of concern from several religious leaders, including the Mahanayake Theras of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters, who urged that tourism growth must align with the country’s cultural and spiritual traditions.
Herath assured that Sri Lanka welcomes all travellers without discrimination, but underscored that policy direction would focus on promoting value-driven, sustainable tourism that enhances the island’s reputation as a culturally rich destination.
The clarification comes as the sector records one of its strongest post-pandemic performances. According to Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) data, the country welcomed 158,971 visitors in September 2025, the highest monthly figure on record, pushing year-to-date arrivals to 1.72 million.
Tourism earnings for the first eight months of 2025 were estimated at USD 2.3 billion, marking a steady improvement from last year. With strong demand from India, the UK, Russia, China, Germany, and France, officials expect total annual revenue to exceed USD 3.2 billion.
The Government recently adjusted its annual target to 2.6 million visitors, reflecting a pragmatic focus on sustainable growth and higher-spending tourists.
At the ITLS, the private sector unveiled the “Ruhunu Ring”, a 300-kilometre thematic tourism circuit connecting Yala, Udawalawe, Sinharaja, Arugam Bay, Mirissa, Galle Fort, and Kataragama. The project — branded “Culturally Wild” aims to boost experiential tourism and raise daily visitor spending beyond the current USD 170–180.
Tourism Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam described it as “a defining step in diversifying Sri Lanka’s product offering,” while Herath reiterated that the nation’s cultural authenticity will remain its strongest global asset.
With tourism poised to become a multi-billion-dollar contributor once again, Sri Lanka is seeking to balance its economic aspirations with a renewed respect for cultural identity, a delicate equilibrium the industry now strives to maintain.
