sri lanka tourism revenue

Sri Lanka Tourism Revenues

Tourism revenues in sri lanka decreased to 338.40 usd million in march from 345.70 usd million in february of 2024. tourism revenues in sri lanka averaged 175.84 usd million from 2009 until 2024, reaching an all time high of 475.20 usd million in december of 2018 and a record low of 0.50 usd million in december of 2020. source: central bank of sri lanka, tourism revenues in sri lanka is expected to be 300.00 usd million by the end of this quarter, according to trading economics global macro models and analysts expectations.,   markets,   gdp,   labour,   prices,   money,   trade,   government,   business,   consumer,   housing,   taxes,   climate.

Travel & Tourism - Sri Lanka

• In Sri Lanka, the Travel & Tourism market is projected to earn a revenue of US$348.10m in 2024.
• The market is expected to exhibit an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2028) of 5.16%, thereby raising the expected market volume to US$425.70m by 2028.
• Among the markets, Hotels are anticipated to be the largest with a projected market volume of US$175.00m in 2024.
• By 2028, the number of users in Hotels is expected to reach 1,822.00k users.
• In 2024, the user penetration is expected to be 10.7%, which is likely to increase to 11.9% by 2028.
• The average revenue per user (ARPU) is estimated to be US$148.40.
• By 2028, online sales are anticipated to account for 67% of total revenue generated in the Travel & Tourism market.
• When compared globally, United States is expected to generate the highest revenue at US$199bn in 2024.
• Sri Lanka's Travel & Tourism market is experiencing a rise in eco-tourism, with a focus on sustainable practices and conservation efforts.

Key regions: Malaysia , Europe , Singapore , Vietnam , United States

Definition:

The Travel & Tourism market encompasses a diverse range of accommodation services catering to the needs and preferences of travelers. This dynamic market includes package holidays, hotel accommodations, private vacation rentals, camping experiences, and cruises.

The market consists of five further markets.

• The Cruises market covers multi-day vacation trips on a cruise ship. The Cruises market encompasses exclusively passenger ticket revenues.
• The Vacation Rentals market comprises of private accommodation bookings which includes private holiday homes and houses as well as short-term rental of private rooms or flats.
• The Hotels market includes stays in hotels and professionally run guest houses.
• The Package Holidays market comprises of travel deals that normally contain travel and accommodation sold for one price, although optional further provisions can be included such as catering and tourist services.
• The Camping market includes bookings at camping sites for pitches using tents, campervans, or trailers. These can be associated with big chains or privately managed campsites.

Additional Information:

The main performance indicators of the Travel & Tourism market are revenues, average revenue per user (ARPU), users and user penetration rates. Additionally, online and offline sales channel shares display the distribution of online and offline bookings. The ARPU refers to the average revenue one user generates per year while the revenue represents the total booking volume. Revenues are generated through both online and offline sales channels and include exclusively B2C revenues and users for the above-mentioned markets. Users represent the aggregated number of guests. Each user is only counted once per year. Additional definitions for each market can be found within the respective market pages.

The booking volume includes all booked travels made by users from the selected region, independent of the departure and arrival. The scope includes domestic and outbound travel.

Prominent players in this sector include online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia and Opodo, as well as tour operators such as TUI. Specialized platforms like Hotels.com, Booking.com, and Airbnb facilitate the online booking of hotels and private accommodations, contributing significantly to the market's vibrancy.

For further information on the data displayed, refer to the info button right next to each box.

• Bookings directly via the website of the service provider, travel agencies, online travel agencies (OTAs) or telephone

out-of-scope

• Business trips
• Other forms of trips (e.g. excursions, etc.)

Travel & Tourism

• Vacation Rentals
• Package Holidays
• Analyst Opinion

The Travel & Tourism market in Sri Lanka is experiencing a significant growth trajectory, attracting a diverse range of travelers from around the globe. Customer preferences: Travelers visiting Sri Lanka are increasingly seeking authentic cultural experiences, adventure tourism, and eco-friendly accommodations. The demand for personalized travel itineraries and off-the-beaten-path destinations is on the rise, catering to a more experiential and conscious consumer base. Trends in the market: One of the notable trends in the Sri Lankan travel market is the surge in wellness tourism, with an emphasis on yoga retreats, Ayurvedic treatments, and spa resorts. Additionally, the country is witnessing a rise in luxury travel, with high-end boutique hotels and luxury villas gaining popularity among affluent travelers. The growing trend of sustainable tourism practices and community-based tourism initiatives is also shaping the industry landscape in Sri Lanka. Local special circumstances: Sri Lanka's unique geographical features, including pristine beaches, lush tea plantations, ancient cultural sites, and diverse wildlife, offer a rich tapestry of experiences for travelers. The country's warm hospitality, rich heritage, and flavorful cuisine further contribute to its appeal as a top tourist destination in South Asia. The recent infrastructure developments and improved connectivity have also made it easier for tourists to explore the island nation. Underlying macroeconomic factors: The steady economic growth, political stability, and government initiatives to promote tourism have played a crucial role in driving the growth of the travel industry in Sri Lanka. The country's strategic location along major international sea routes and its increasing popularity as a cruise ship destination have further boosted tourist arrivals. Moreover, the investments in tourism infrastructure, such as new hotels, resorts, and transportation facilities, are enhancing the overall travel experience for visitors to Sri Lanka.

• Methodology

Data coverage:

Modeling approach:

Additional notes:

• Sales Channels
• Travel Behavior
• Global Comparison
• Key Market Indicators

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International tourism, receipts (current US$) - Sri Lanka

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Sri Lanka Tourism Revenue Growth

• Sri Lanka Tourism Revenue grew 124.2 % YoY in Dec 2022, compared with a decrease of -25.7 % YoY in the previous year
• Sri Lanka Tourism Revenue Growth rate data is updated yearly, available from Dec 1967 to Dec 2022
• The data reached an all-time high of 124.2 % in Dec 2022 and a record low of -81.1 % in Dec 2020

View Sri Lanka's Tourism Revenue Growth from 1967 to 2022 in the chart:

What was Sri Lanka's Tourism Revenue Growth in 2022?

Sri Lanka Tourism Revenue grew 124.2 % YoY in Dec 2022, compared with a decrease of -25.7 % YoY in the previous year See the table below for more data.

Tourism Revenue Growth by Country Comparison

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Tourism earnings up 87% to $ 1.4 b in first five months

Monday, 10 June 2024 02:01 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

• May earnings at $ 154 m reflect 54% YoY growth, highest recorded since 2020
• Month-on-month basis, May earnings down 32% in tandem with lower arrivals in off season

The robust performance not only attributes to a strong recovery, but also highlights the industry’s potential for growth and resilience in the face of adversity. Tourism earnings in May amounted to $ 154 million, reflecting 54% increase year-on-year (YoY)  indicative of the industry’s seasonal fluctuations. The month of May saw a total of 112,128 tourist arrivals, which registered a 35% YoY increase. However, on a month-on-month basis, May earnings saw a 32% decline. Despite this, 2024 May earnings remain the highest recorded post-COVID.  Since the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has faced numerous challenges and emerged stronger. This resilience has instilled renewed confidence in the sector’s ability to bounce back and thrive. Ongoing promotional efforts and a renewed focus on safety and visitor satisfaction position Sri Lanka to reclaim its status as a top global tourist destination.  Sri Lanka crossing the 900,000 arrivals milestone so far in 2024, underscores the optimistic outlook, representing a significant increase from the previous year. Looking ahead, Sri Lanka Tourism aims to attract 2.3 million visitors and generate over $ 4 billion in income for 2024. As tourism remains a crucial source of foreign exchange earnings for the country, efforts are underway to attract high-end tourists, with plans to increase the average spending per visitor to $ 4,000. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) is targeting 2.5 million visitors to spend over $ 500 per day, with a focus on attracting high-spending travellers, who currently constitute a significant portion of tourists visiting the country.

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Sri Lanka expects $2.7bn in cash from 1.5 million tourists in 2023 for crisis-hit economy

Island nation that hosted 740,000 visitors last year is focused on stimulating tourism sector's recovery.

The Sri Lankan stand at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Sri Lanka expects to host 1.55 million visitors and earn $2.7 billion in much-needed tourism revenue this year, as it maps a road to the recovery of its tourism sector amid its worst economic crisis in decades .

This is up from the 720,000 tourists and $1.1 billion in tourism earnings in 2022, Padma Siriwardana, managing director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, told The National on Thursday on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. However, this is still below the record 2.3 million visitors that flocked to the country in 2018.

The sector is on target to achieve its annual goal after receiving 450,000 visitors this year to the end of April, she said.

“We are back on track for recovery. We are coming out stronger because our industry is very resilient,” Ms Siriwardana said.

The recovery comes after the country's tourism sector suffered several setbacks: the Easter attacks in 2019, the two-year Covid-19 pandemic and widespread street protests in 2022 in response to an unprecedented economic crisis that led to severe shortages of food, medicine, fuel, cooking gas and electricity.

Sri Lanka's economy contracted by 8.7 per cent in 2022 and is forecast to shrink by another 3 per cent this year.

Inflation hit an average of 46.4 per cent in 2022, affecting mostly the poor and vulnerable, but is expected to come down to 28.5 per cent this year, the International Monetary Fund said.

Underpinning recovery in the tourism sector are Sri Lanka's efforts to promote “niche” offerings to attract high-spending visitors from countries such as Japan, Ms Siriwardana said.

Beckoning tourists to the island are marine explorations to discover more than 100 shipwrecks along its coast, a 22-day hike through the mountains on its Pekoe Trail and wellness programmes.

“The post-Covid traveller is into new experiences,” she said. “We started a campaign targeting our main wellness markets, France and Germany, to promote authentic Sri Lankan wellness.”

In March, the IMF approved a $3 billion bailout loan to help the island nation of 22 million people to restructure its debt and address its crisis-hit economy.

Asked if the tourism industry will be one of the beneficiaries of the incoming funds, Ms Siriwardana said: “Part of it will be for the tourism industry. Some of the donors have committed to giving more funds for tourism investment.”

While the tourism board has sufficient funds to launch international promotional campaigns, it had difficulty last year with marketing spend abroad due to the country's foreign currency shortage, but “now it's definitely getting better”, she said.

The tourism board is increasingly localising the creative, marketing and public relations work it commissions so that it spends money within the country, she said.

While the devaluation of its currency has made Sri Lanka a cheaper place to visit for tourists, the country has also worked on campaigns after last year's protests to address concerns about its safety and stability as a tourist destination, she said.

“This is basically the recovery phase and we're looking at negating negative perceptions,” she added.

“We are launching a mega influencer campaign called 'Seeing is Believing' because you have to come and see now — it's all under control and everything is back to normal.”

Sri Lanka's severe foreign currency crisis has made it more expensive to import basic goods. However, import restrictions for the tourism industry have been relaxed, inflation has dipped and the sector has adopted a strategy to source local produce, she said.

“Sri Lanka is very safe. We have a lot of unique authentic experiences for tourists. It's a beautiful country — we have good weather all year round and amazing landscapes, so do visit us,” she said.

Meanwhile, national airline SriLankan, which operated under tough conditions last year amid scarce jet fuel supplies, travel advisories that curtailed tourist inflows and lack of access to funding, is now starting to soar, the airline's chief said.

It reached break-even point in the fiscal year ended March 2023 for the first time in 15 years, Richard Nuttall, the airline's chief executive, said at the Arabian Travel Market.

This came amid constrained capacity, travel demand from the Sri Lankan diaspora and transit traffic from the Indian market.

The airline group is expected to turn a profit in its next fiscal year as travel bans lift and jet fuel supplies normalise, he said.

The debt-laden airline as well as several other state-owned entities have been proposed for sale to raise foreign exchange and boost the country's external reserves.

The government is keen to accelerate the airline privatisation process and aims to secure an investor by year's end, the airline's boss said. He declined to name interested parties, the size of the stake sale or the ownership structure.

However, there are “clear strategic benefits”, given Sri Lankan airline's proximity to India, where it flies to 10 cities.

SriLankan issued a request for proposals earlier this year to lease used aircraft as it seeks to boost capacity in response to higher travel demand.

It is looking to lease five Airbus A320-family jets and five A330 aircraft, Mr Nuttall said. It is currently evaluating the bids received and aims to grow its fleet to 27 jets by mid-2024.

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Income generated by tourism in Sri Lanka from January to the end of November reached 1.8 billion U.S. dollars, which is a 78.3 percent hike from the same period in 2022, the latest data by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) revealed.

The revenue earned from tourism increased to 205.3 million dollars in November 2023, which is over twice the revenue in November 2022, according to the latest data.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry told parliament on Thursday that the tourist arrivals will spike in 2024 with more airlines coming into the country.

Sri Lanka welcomed 151,496 international tourists in November, the highest monthly number of visitors it received in 2023, official data showed.

Sri Lanka’s cumulative tourist arrivals for the first 11 months of the year stand at 1.27 million, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.

Tourism is one of Sri Lanka’s top foreign revenue generators. In late November, the government waived visa fees for nationals from China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan to boost tourism in the coming season.

Over 43,000 Tourist Arrivals Recorded in First 13 Days of June

Tourism earnings up 87% to $ 1.4 billion in first five months, sri lanka welcomes over 100,000 tourists in may.

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Sri Lanka’s Tourism Industry to Achieve $10 Billion in Revenue by 2025

Prasanna Ranatunga, Minister of Tourism stated that the Sri Lankan government has taken measures to attract 7 million foreign visitors to the country, bringing in earnings worth USD 10 billion from the tourism industry by 2025, during World Tourism Day Celebrations held at Kandy City Center on the 27th of September 2020.

He further stated that a memorandum has been submitted to the cabinet to provide relief to those in the tourism industry adversely affected by the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic. He further stated that some of the content included in the memorandum had been partially fulfilled and that other measures were under discussion.

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Sri Lanka tourism revenue more than triples  in September  2023

Saturday October 7, 2023 11:48 am

ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s tourism revenues grew more than triple  to $152.2 million in September 2023 from a year earlier, as the arrivals have gradually picked up, official data show.

The tourism revenue numbers are based on a survey conducted by the tourism promotion office and released by the central bank.

Estimated tourism revenues for September was $152.2 million, up from $40.5 million in the same month a year earlier.

The revenues for the first eight month was $1,456.7 million, 66.8 percent up from $873.1 million in the same period in 2022.

September arrivals also more than tripled to 111,938, compared to last year’s 29,802, while total foreign visitors to the island nation crossed 1 million mark for this year in September. The island nation has witnessed 1.02 million 1,016,256 in the first nine months of this year, 93.1 percent up from 526,232  recorded in the same period last year, the official data showed.

The tourism arrival was hit by violence in the June quarter of 2022 after then Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s supporters brutally attacked unarmed protesters on May 9 to evict them from prolonged protest sites in capital Colombo.

Later, the violence spread throughout the country with some targeted ruling politicians and damaged their houses and properties. The uncertainty after the change of the country’s president in an unprecedented manner also took a toll on the leisure industry which contributed 5% of the gross domestic product (GDP) at its peak. (Colombo/October 07/2023)

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1 Sri Lanka Water Board makes profits, tax-payers inject Rs28bn

2 comments by sri lanka president, justice minister, intimidates judiciary: lawyers collective, 3 sri lanka opposition questions claims that imf housing tax is only for kulaks, 4 sri lanka central bank appoints two deputy governors, 5 sri lanka will expedite indian projects: president, ed sheeran concert in sri lanka in january: minister.

Monday June 24, 2024 12:05 pm

ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka is planning to host Ed Sheeran concert in January 2025, supported by Cinnamon hospitality group, Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando said.

“In January, we will bring Ed Sheeran as part of our initiative in developing our entertainment for tourists,” Fernando told reporters on Monday.

This would be a first international pop star performance in the island for many years.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau also said that they would be developing Sri Lanka’s entertainment in order to compete with neighboring countries.

“We compete with countries such as Thailand, Maldives and Singapore,” Fernando said.

Despite the competition, Sri Lanka has not had a concert by an international artist since 2015.

Sri Lanka expects 2.3 million tourists in 2024 and the tourist authorities said initially an even higher number was possible.

However in April, e-visa’s were given over to a private consortium, which has a website which is difficult to navigate, and tourism growth numbers have started fall. (Colombo/Jun24/2024 – Update II)

Sri Lanka appoints new state minister of trade and environment

Monday June 24, 2024 10:31 am

ECONOMYNEXT – Sathasivam Viyalendiran has been appointed as Sri Lanka’s new state minister of trade and environment, the president’s media division said.

“MP Sathasivam Viyalendiran took oath as the State Minister of Trade and Environment before President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat a short while ago.”

Viyalendiran was elected to parliament through the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party from the Batticaloa District.

He previously has held the posts of media state minister and state minister of Backward Rural Areas Development and Promotion of Domestic Animal Husbandry and Minor Economic Crop Cultivation, under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. (Colombo/June24/2024)

Sri Lanka’s Nation Lanka Finance delays private placement

Monday June 24, 2024 10:15 am

ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s Nation Lanka Finance Plc said it was delaying a sale of its shares to pre-selected individuals due to various circumstances; and that the postponement was leading to an erosion of capital.

“The continuous erosion of capital resulting from the delay has required further negotiations for additional capital to meet the minimum capital requirement from a strategic investor with the concurrence the Central Bank of Sri Lanka,” the company said in a stock exchange filing .

There was no finality or certainty on the conclusion of these discussions, the finance company said.

“We are unable to make a further definitive statement in relation to the way forward with regard to the private placement of shares.”

The company said a disclosure will be made when discussions result in ‘some form of definitive arrangement’.

The company proposed it would offer a private placement last October, subject to several conditions which included the submission of audited financial statements for 2022/2023, and obtaining regulatory and shareholder approvals.

The share was trading flat at 0.40 on Monday. (Colombo/June24/2024)

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Home » News & Media » President Affirms Sri Lanka’s Commitment on Promoting Eco-Tourism at the WLI Asia Oceania Conference 2024

President Affirms Sri Lanka’s Commitment on Promoting Eco-Tourism at the WLI Asia Oceania Conference 2024

• No Waiting for External Funding to Combat Climate Change and Environmental Conservation.
• Tropical Countries Urged to Secure Funds Through Commercial Environmental Projects.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized Sri Lanka’s commitment to advancing eco-tourism through the conservation of wetlands. He underscored the futility of waiting for external funding to combat climate change and environmental challenges, urging tropical countries to explore self-sustaining financial models tied to environmental projects.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the inaugural WLI Asia Oceania Conference 2024 at Water’s Edge Hotel, Battaramulla yesterday (20), President Wickremesinghe highlighted Sri Lanka’s proactive stance.

The conference, organized by the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation under the Ministry of Housing, aimed to foster collaboration for the sustainable management of wetlands. Held from June 17 to 21 at “Diyasaru” Wetland Park, Battaramulla, the event focused on the theme “Wetlands and Wetland Centers for Eco-friendly Tourism.”

Representatives from 15 counties including Sri Lanka, Korea, Mongolia, Philippines, Jordan, Myanmar, New Zealand, Nepal, Japan, Australia, China, India, Pakistan, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom participated, totaling nearly 100 delegates from over 70 wetland parks worldwide. Notably, the foreign delegates had the opportunity to explore Colombo’s urban wetlands, renowned as the world’s first wetland capital of the world, during the three-day observation program.

At the ceremony, Executive Director of the Ramsar Convention’s East Asia Regional Center Mr. Suh Seung Oh, presented a memento to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, marking the culmination of the conference.

Addressing the gathering President Ranil Wickremesinghe further commented:

“Sri Lanka considers itself privileged that Wetlands International’s first conference is being held here, and you have taken ‘Diyasaru’ Park as a good example. Wetlands, much like elephants and others, are disappearing species or landmarks. How do we preserve them? That’s the issue.

Not only in urban areas but even in other regions, wetlands are disappearing. Partly due to the need for development, partly due to the need for people to live. Nevertheless, development and population expansion have taken their toll on wetlands. So, what you have undertaken is how to preserve them, and that is an objective we all agree with.

If you look at this, about 500 years ago, this whole area was covered by wetlands. When you take ‘Muthurajawela’ to the north, this area, which was once entirely wetlands, sometimes formed a fortress to safeguard the cinnamon trade and repel rival armies from the north and south. You can still see traces of that. But gradually, we have seen it being filled up. Yet, we have still managed to preserve some wetlands, and the minister and the corporation have done a commendable job. We must emphasize and prioritize the conservation of our wetlands. Thus, ‘Diyasaru’ Park is an example of this effort.

We are also planning to establish another tourist attraction over 1000 acres of wetlands in the south. In an area called ‘Deduwa’ near ‘Lunu ganga’, Bentota, which was also the residence of the late Geoffrey Bawa, the famous architect. This will be quite extensive. How do you preserve these wetlands?

As you proceed, you will encounter more wetlands in ‘Akurala’ that need preservation. Many wetlands will be preserved. Some will also feature eco-friendly tourism. Certainly, that is an area of focus. This is just a part of what we are doing in eco-tourism and wetlands.

We are discussing another 1000 acres near Horton Place to create another tourist area. Sri Lanka will identify and certainly start safeguarding these areas, such as those essential for eco-tourism and wetlands.

However, we feel that there is much more in the world that we must safeguard. Therefore, we are also promoting the concept of the tropical belt. Within the tropical belt lie wetlands, savannas, these are crucial areas for combating climate change. These are the sinks that exist globally.

They are mainly located in the tropical belt. So, why not save them all? Or do our best to preserve them? Look at the Amazon. The Amazon is disappearing. What should we do in Africa? Consider all these things, whether wetlands, forests, or grasslands. Let’s determine how many of them can hold commercial value, not for profit-driven ventures, but as part of the environmental movement. Who is willing to invest money in this cause? Because it’s unlikely that much money will come from the developed world right now. At present, it’s probably going to places like Ukraine or Gaza, not here. Thus, we must take care of ourselves. Let’s explore how many commercial projects we can find in wetlands.

We are also examining the role the Indian Ocean can play as a sink, it is even more significant. We are now promoting a concept. Let’s consider how we can commercialize these areas, not for ordinary development but certainly for environmental purposes.

How much can we achieve through green financing, through green economics, to obtain credit? This is what we need to focus on now.

The environment in our region, within the tropical belt, is under threat. We should not expect money to come from outside. That funding isn’t available. Therefore, we must rely on our own methods of generating commercial revenue to protect the environment and the tropical belt.

The government of Sri Lanka is also preparing legislation for an international climate change university, the first of its kind. It will be connected to many other climate change centers, following the model of the East-West Center. Those who come for short-term training or postgraduate studies will find it a central hub for climate change education and research.

These are the two main proposals Sri Lanka will present, and we intend to pursue them in the coming years. I don’t want to take up any more of your time, but rather to thank the organizers and wish you all the best. Thank you.”

Executive Director of the Ramsar Convention East Asia Center Mr. Suh Seung Oh:

“I would like to extend my highest appreciation to the Sri Lankan government for hosting this important meeting, especially to Hon. President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Over the last four days, we have communicated, connected, and discussed numerous issues pertinent to the Wetland Centers. This gathering has not only fostered collaboration among the Wetland Centers but has also strengthened ties between the continents of Asia and Oceania. Through this first Asia-Oceania collaboration, we have maintained a close relationship with the general public, delivering crucial messages about the importance of wellness. Together, we are creating shared values with the people.”

Minister of Urban Development and Housing Prasanna Ranatunga, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabri P. C., State Ministers Thenuka Vidanagamage and Janaka Wakkumbura, Advisor to the President on Parliamentary Affairs Ashu Marasinghe, Advisor to the President on Environment, Climate, and Green Finance Dr. Ananda Mallawathantri, Chief Executive Officer of the Climate Change Office and Senior Additional Secretary to the President Dr. Anil Jasingha, Secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing W.S. Sathyananda, Secretary to the Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Gunadasa Samarasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Environment B.K.P. Chandrakeerthi, International Relations Manager of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Chris Rostron, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation Eng. Hiran Balasuriya, Chairman of the Urban Development Authority Nimesh Herath, representatives from International Wetland Parks, environmentalists, and government officials were present on the occasion.

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President Affirms Sri Lanka’s Commitment on Promoting Eco-Tourism at the WLI Asia Oceania Conference 2024

June, 21, 2024 -->

• No Waiting for External Funding to Combat Climate Change and Environmental Conservation.
• Tropical Countries Urged to Secure Funds Through Commercial Environmental Projects.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized Sri Lanka’s commitment to advancing eco-tourism through the conservation of wetlands. He underscored the futility of waiting for external funding to combat climate change and environmental challenges, urging tropical countries to explore self-sustaining financial models tied to environmental projects.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the inaugural WLI Asia Oceania Conference 2024 at Water’s Edge Hotel, Battaramulla yesterday (20), President Wickremesinghe highlighted Sri Lanka’s proactive stance.

The conference, organized by the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation under the Ministry of Housing, aimed to foster collaboration for the sustainable management of wetlands. Held from June 17 to 21 at “Diyasaru” Wetland Park, Battaramulla, the event focused on the theme “Wetlands and Wetland Centers for Eco-friendly Tourism.”

Representatives from 15 counties including Sri Lanka, Korea, Mongolia, Philippines, Jordan, Myanmar, New Zealand, Nepal, Japan, Australia, China, India, Pakistan, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom participated, totaling nearly 100 delegates from over 70 wetland parks worldwide. Notably, the foreign delegates had the opportunity to explore Colombo’s urban wetlands, renowned as the world’s first wetland capital of the world, during the three-day observation program.

At the ceremony, Executive Director of the Ramsar Convention’s East Asia Regional Center Mr. Suh Seung Oh, presented a memento to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, marking the culmination of the conference.

Addressing the gathering President Ranil Wickremesinghe further commented:

“Sri Lanka considers itself privileged that Wetlands International’s first conference is being held here, and you have taken ‘Diyasaru’ Park as a good example. Wetlands, much like elephants and others, are disappearing species or landmarks. How do we preserve them? That’s the issue.

Not only in urban areas but even in other regions, wetlands are disappearing. Partly due to the need for development, partly due to the need for people to live. Nevertheless, development and population expansion have taken their toll on wetlands. So, what you have undertaken is how to preserve them, and that is an objective we all agree with.

If you look at this, about 500 years ago, this whole area was covered by wetlands. When you take ‘Muthurajawela’ to the north, this area, which was once entirely wetlands, sometimes formed a fortress to safeguard the cinnamon trade and repel rival armies from the north and south. You can still see traces of that. But gradually, we have seen it being filled up. Yet, we have still managed to preserve some wetlands, and the minister and the corporation have done a commendable job. We must emphasize and prioritize the conservation of our wetlands. Thus, ‘Diyasaru’ Park is an example of this effort.

We are also planning to establish another tourist attraction over 1000 acres of wetlands in the south. In an area called ‘Deduwa’ near ‘Lunu ganga’, Bentota, which was also the residence of the late Geoffrey Bawa, the famous architect. This will be quite extensive. How do you preserve these wetlands?

As you proceed, you will encounter more wetlands in ‘Akurala’ that need preservation. Many wetlands will be preserved. Some will also feature eco-friendly tourism. Certainly, that is an area of focus. This is just a part of what we are doing in eco-tourism and wetlands.

We are discussing another 1000 acres near Horton Place to create another tourist area. Sri Lanka will identify and certainly start safeguarding these areas, such as those essential for eco-tourism and wetlands.

However, we feel that there is much more in the world that we must safeguard. Therefore, we are also promoting the concept of the tropical belt. Within the tropical belt lie wetlands, savannas, these are crucial areas for combating climate change. These are the sinks that exist globally.

They are mainly located in the tropical belt. So, why not save them all? Or do our best to preserve them? Look at the Amazon. The Amazon is disappearing. What should we do in Africa? Consider all these things, whether wetlands, forests, or grasslands. Let’s determine how many of them can hold commercial value, not for profit-driven ventures, but as part of the environmental movement. Who is willing to invest money in this cause? Because it’s unlikely that much money will come from the developed world right now. At present, it’s probably going to places like Ukraine or Gaza, not here. Thus, we must take care of ourselves. Let’s explore how many commercial projects we can find in wetlands.

We are also examining the role the Indian Ocean can play as a sink, it is even more significant. We are now promoting a concept. Let’s consider how we can commercialize these areas, not for ordinary development but certainly for environmental purposes.

How much can we achieve through green financing, through green economics, to obtain credit? This is what we need to focus on now.

The environment in our region, within the tropical belt, is under threat. We should not expect money to come from outside. That funding isn’t available. Therefore, we must rely on our own methods of generating commercial revenue to protect the environment and the tropical belt.

The government of Sri Lanka is also preparing legislation for an international climate change university, the first of its kind. It will be connected to many other climate change centers, following the model of the East-West Center. Those who come for short-term training or postgraduate studies will find it a central hub for climate change education and research.

These are the two main proposals Sri Lanka will present, and we intend to pursue them in the coming years. I don’t want to take up any more of your time, but rather to thank the organizers and wish you all the best. Thank you.”

Executive Director of the Ramsar Convention East Asia Center Mr. Suh Seung Oh:

“I would like to extend my highest appreciation to the Sri Lankan government for hosting this important meeting, especially to Hon. President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Over the last four days, we have communicated, connected, and discussed numerous issues pertinent to the Wetland Centers. This gathering has not only fostered collaboration among the Wetland Centers but has also strengthened ties between the continents of Asia and Oceania. Through this first Asia-Oceania collaboration, we have maintained a close relationship with the general public, delivering crucial messages about the importance of wellness. Together, we are creating shared values with the people.”

Minister of Urban Development and Housing Prasanna Ranatunga, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabri P. C., State Ministers Thenuka Vidanagamage and Janaka Wakkumbura, Advisor to the President on Parliamentary Affairs Ashu Marasinghe, Advisor to the President on Environment, Climate, and Green Finance Dr. Ananda Mallawathantri, Chief Executive Officer of the Climate Change Office and Senior Additional Secretary to the President Dr. Anil Jasingha, Secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing W.S. Sathyananda, Secretary to the Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Gunadasa Samarasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Environment B.K.P. Chandrakeerthi, International Relations Manager of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Chris Rostron, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation Eng. Hiran Balasuriya, Chairman of the Urban Development Authority Nimesh Herath, representatives from International Wetland Parks, environmentalists, and government officials were present on the occasion.

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