Friday Feb 20, 2026
Friday Feb 20, 2026
Thursday, 12 February 2026 03:11 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Attorney General yesterday informed the Court of Appeal that the letter issued by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman, which endorsed projects aimed at promoting and developing LGBTIQ tourism in the country, will be withdrawn.
The Attorney General made this revelation when a writ petition challenging the legality of the alleged endorsement was taken up before the Court of Appeal.
The move follows a letter sent by Sri Lanka Tourism formally endorsing a pioneering project to promote and develop LGBTIQ tourism in the country, ahead of the World Tourism Day 2025.
In a letter dated 9 September 2025 to EQUAL GROUND Executive Director Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, SLTDA and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam expressed appreciation for the organisation’s initiative to drive Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) programs within the industry.
“With reference to your letter dated 5 August 2025, on behalf of Sri Lanka Tourism, we wish to extend our appreciation to EQUAL GROUND for your initiative to promote and develop LGBTIQ tourism in Sri Lanka through Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&1) programs. We recognise the potential of this project to diversify our tourism markets and position Sri Lanka as a safe, inclusive and welcoming destination for all travellers,” he noted (https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Sri-Lanka-Tourism-endorses-LGBTIQ-tourism-initiative-ahead-of-World-Tourism-Day/44-782266).
Later, the Tourism Ministry and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) set the record straight amid debates over LGBTQ-themed events, noting Sri Lanka values diversity and respects all communities, whilst stressing that the Government has not launched specific tourism campaigns targeting LGBTQ+ travellers.
On 30 September 2025, in a joint statement, they said that tourism promotion will continue to focus on the country’s cultural heritage, natural beauty, wellness and adventure experiences, reflecting Sri Lanka’s commitment to inclusivity, dignity and social harmony (https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Sri-Lanka-Tourism-affirms-inclusivity/44-782403).
