Economy

Tourism earnings top $ 1.5 b in 1H 2024

Published

2 years ago

July 8, 2024

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has demonstrated remarkable performance, generating over $ 1.55 billion in revenue during the first half of 2024, registering a substantial 78% increase compared to the same period last year.

The impressive revenue surge within the first six months is significant, given that it took almost 10 months to achieve a similar milestone in 2023.

The strong performance underscores not only a robust recovery but also the industry’s potential for continued growth and resilience amid challenges.

June alone saw tourism earnings of $ 151.1 million, reflecting a 23% year-on-year (YoY) increase, though a slight 1.8% decline from the previous month.

In June, a total of 113,470 tourist arrivals were registered, marking a 67% YoY increase.

February 2024 stands out with earnings of $ 345.7 million, the highest recorded in a month post-COVID-19.

Since the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has faced significant hurdles but has shown strong resilience, boosting confidence in its recovery and future prospects.

Ongoing promotional efforts and a renewed focus on safety and visitor satisfaction are crucial to reclaiming Sri Lanka’s status as a top global tourist destination.

The country’s achievement of crossing the 1 million arrivals mark by the end of June 2024 further highlights the positive outlook, representing a significant increase from the previous year.

During the first four days of July, Sri Lanka Tourism has welcomed a total of 21,298 tourist arrivals, pushing the YTD total to 1.03 million visitors.

Sri Lanka Tourism has set an ambitious goal for 2024, aiming to attract 2.3 million tourists and generate over $ 4 billion in revenue.

Economy

Sri Lanka’s tourist arrivals exceed 840,000 so far this year

Published

14 hours ago

April 27, 2026

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The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) stated that the number of tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka so far has crossed the 840,000 mark.

Accordingly, a total of 840,411 tourists have visited the country between January 1 and April 22, 2026.

The highest number of arrivals has been recorded from India, with 176,465 tourists, the SLTDA noted.

A significant number of visitors have also arrived from countries including the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, and China.

Meanwhile, the SLTDA stated that a total of 99,777 tourists arrived in the country between April 1 and April 22, 2026.

However, the data indicate that daily tourist arrivals in April have declined significantly compared to previous months.

Economy

Haputale restaurant fined Rs. 1 million forover pricing bottled water

Published

1 day ago

April 27, 2026

admin

A restaurant in Haputale has been fined Rs. 1 million for selling a bottle of drinking water above the maximum retail price.

The fine was imposed by the Bandarawela Magistrate’s Court on April 24 following a raid conducted by the Consumer Affairs Authority Badulla District Office.

The raid targeted a restaurant owned by a private company on Welimada Road in Haputale. Authorities found that the establishment had sold bottled water at a price exceeding the approved limit.

The court subsequently imposed a fine of Rs. 1,000,000 on the hotel.

Economy

Sri Lanka to Launch First Digital Motor Insurance Card from May 1

Published

3 days ago

April 25, 2026

admin

Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development has announced that the country’s first digital motor insurance card will be introduced from May 1.

The Ministry stated that this initiative represents a significant step toward advancing national digitalization while also enhancing public safety.

By replacing physical plastic cards, the move is also expected to contribute to environmental sustainability across the country.

The Ministry added that the digital motor insurance card will be officially launched in collaboration with the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka, the Insurance Association of Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lanka Police.