Thursday Jun 18, 2026
Thursday Jun 18, 2026
Wednesday, 17 June 2026 06:47 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath
Sri Lanka’s tourism development strategy is moving towards a more structured, investment-focused model, with the Presidential Task Force for the implementation of the Tourism Development Programme reviewing a series of large-scale initiatives ranging from special tourism zones and maritime transport links to film tourism and eco-tourism development.
Meeting at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday under the chairmanship of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, the task force discussed measures aimed at addressing structural constraints in the sector while positioning Sri Lanka as a sustainable tourism destination.
A key proposal under consideration is the establishment of the “Southern Mist Corridor”, a dedicated tourism zone spanning the districts of Galle, Matara and Ratnapura. The initiative would encompass tourism development activities across the Southern and Sabaragamuwa Provinces, including areas surrounding the Sinharaja forest reserve, the Kanneliya-Dediyagala-Nakiyadeniya forest complex and the Hiniduma mountain range.
Officials said the proposed framework is intended to address concerns over unauthorised hotel developments and environmental degradation in ecologically sensitive areas while creating a regulatory structure to facilitate sustainable investment. The corridor is also expected to promote tea tourism and eco-tourism, with an Integrated Operations Committee to be established to coordinate implementation.
The task force also reviewed plans for a proposed Maritime Tourism Corridor, a 10-year project to be implemented in three phases by Capital Marine and Civil Construction. The first phase envisages the launch of ferry services from Jaffna, with future expansion towards Colombo and Galle, potentially creating new tourism circuits and improving connectivity between key destinations.
Discussions further focused on improving Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in film tourism. Officials reviewed progress on establishing a single-window approval mechanism for foreign productions and measures to simplify the temporary importation of filming equipment, longstanding issues cited by international film crews.
The task force also examined plans to promote adventure tourism through a joint initiative involving the Sri Lanka Air Force, the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau to develop skydiving activities centred on Koggala Airport.
Among other initiatives reviewed were new regulatory guidelines for whale and dolphin watching, including the introduction of an online registration system, and efforts to expand Colombo’s night-time economy through the proposed “Marine Night” weekend programme along Marine Drive.
The meeting also reviewed visa facilitation measures and tourist security issues, both considered critical factors in sustaining visitor growth and attracting higher-spending travellers.
The discussions were attended by senior Government officials, tourism stakeholders and private sector representatives, including Krishan Balendra. Senior Economic Adviser to the President Duminda Hulangamuwa and Secretary to the President Nandika Sanath Kumanayake were also present.
