Economy

Sri Lanka earned $3.7 bln from tourist arrivals in six months – Foreign Minister

Published

4 months ago

August 4, 2025

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath stated that an income of $3.7 billion has been generated from tourist arrivals over the past six months.

He added that another $3.7 billion in revenue is expected by the end of the year.

Minister Herath made these remarks while attending an event at the Seeta Amman Kovil in Nuwara Eliya.

He explained that Indians are the largest group of tourists arriving in Sri Lanka, with many coming for religious purposes, and added that religious sites such as Koneswaram Temple and Kataragama are particularly popular among them.

Commenting further, he said, “That is a major strength for us. As you know, we were economically bankrupt. To recover from that situation, we need to rapidly develop the tourism industry. We are working toward that goal. So far, 1.3 million tourists have arrived, and we have earned $3.7 billion in revenue in the past six months.

Minister Herath also said that the government aims to bring in 3 million tourists this year and is making good progress toward that goal.

Economy

Tourist arrivals pass 2.1m for the first time in 2025

Published

1 day ago

December 5, 2025

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A total of 212,906 tourists have arrived in the country in the month of November, data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) shows.

According to data released by the SLTDA, a total of 51,391 tourists have arrived from India which accounts to 24.1%. Furthermore, 24,953 persons from Russia, 16,915 from the United Kingdom, 14,518 from Germany and 9,384 Australian nationals have also visited Sri Lanka in the month of November.

Meanwhile, the number of tourists arrived in Sri Lanka in 2025 has increased to 2,103,593 with the release of the latest figures for November.

Among them, 474,796 individuals are from India, 191,742 from the UK, 158,593 from Russia, 131,259 from Germany, 121,671 from China and 101,771 are from France, the SLTDA noted.

Economy

Apple to support relief efforts in flood-hit Sri Lanka

Published

3 days ago

December 3, 2025

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Apple CEO Tim Cook has announced that the company will contribute to relief and rebuilding efforts across several Asian countries—including Sri Lanka—following days of severe flooding, landslides, and powerful winds.

Cook said that recent storms across Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka have devastated communities, extending the company’s condolences to all those affected.

Economy

Management Committee appointed for ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund

Published

5 days ago

December 1, 2025

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the establishment of the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, which aims to rebuild the country after the immense damage caused by Cyclone ‘Ditwa’, one of the worst natural disasters in Sri Lanka’s recent history.

The fund is to be established as a statutory fund under the Presidential Secretariat, and its Management Committee will comprise representatives from the government and private sectors.

Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, will serve as its Chairman, while Senior Additional Secretary to the President, G.M.R.D. Aponso will serve as the Convener of the Committee.

Other committee members include:

• President’s Special Envoy for Foreign Investment, Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof
• Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma
• Senior Economic Advisor to the President, Duminda Hulangamuwa
• Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sugeeshwara Gunawardena
• Chairman of the Hayles Group, Mohan Pandithage
• Chairman of John Keells Holdings (JKH), Krishan Balendra
• Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Aitken Spence PLC, Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake
• Brandix Group CEO Ashroff Omar
• LOLC Executive Chairman Ishara Nanayakkara