Tuesday Dec 30, 2025
Tuesday Dec 30, 2025
Tuesday, 30 December 2025 03:56 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Sri Lanka’s tourism sector reached a historic milestone yesterday as the country welcomed its 2,333,797th tourist for 2025, officially surpassing the previous all-time arrival record of 2,333,796 visitors set in 2018.
The milestone carries added significance when viewed against recent tourism trends. In 2018, Sri Lanka recorded its highest-ever tourist arrivals at 2,333,796, a record that stood for seven
years.
The symbolic 2,333,797th visitors were Prof. Felix Beslin Pereira, Reena Fernandez, and Ann Cristina Pereira, a family from Thiruvananthapuram, India, who arrived on SriLankan Airlines flight UL 162. Their arrival was ceremoniously recognised at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), where Sri Lanka Tourism officials described the moment as both a personal celebration for the family and a collective triumph for the nation.
The achievement marks a decisive turning point for the industry, signalling not just recovery, but renewed growth and confidence in Sri Lanka as a leading destination in South Asia. In 2024, arrivals reached 2,053,465, reflecting a steady recovery from multiple crises. Surpassing both figures in 2025 underscores the resilience of the sector and its growing competitiveness in the regional tourism landscape.
Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath said the achievement symbolised the strength of the industry and the trust of global travellers. “This milestone is not just a number—it is a symbol of Sri Lanka’s resilience. Surpassing the 2018 record proves that our tourism industry is stronger than ever, thanks to the dedication of stakeholders and the trust of millions of visitors worldwide,” he said.
Tourism Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe noted that the record was achieved through collective effort, particularly during periods of adversity. He described tourism as the lifeblood of the country’s economy and culture, adding that the unity shown by hoteliers, guides, associations, and partners had enabled the sector to withstand challenges and build a sustainable future.
Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Buddika Hewawasam said the milestone belonged to the entire tourism ecosystem, spanning both State and private sector institutions.
He also acknowledged the role played by local and international media in amplifying Sri Lanka’s story and helping restore confidence in the destination.
The record-breaking performance comes despite significant challenges during the year, including the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which disrupted travel and livelihoods across parts of the country. Industry stakeholders said achieving the milestone under such conditions highlighted the sector’s resilience, adaptability, and shared commitment to recovery.
Sri Lanka Tourism extended its gratitude to industry associations, hoteliers, tour operators, guides, airlines, and digital platforms whose coordinated efforts ensured that the sector not only rebounded but moved forward with renewed momentum. The contribution of local and foreign social media influencers was also credited with showcasing Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, culture, and hospitality to global audiences.
Looking ahead, tourism authorities said the focus would remain on sustaining growth while rebuilding affected areas and ensuring tourism development benefits grassroots communities and local livelihoods. The 2025 milestone, they noted, is both a celebration of achievement and a call to strengthen tourism as a key driver of economic recovery, foreign exchange earnings, and cultural exchange in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka ranked fifth best place to visit in Asia for 2026
Sri Lanka has been ranked the fifth best place to visit in Asia for 2026 by U.S. News & World Report, placing the island nation among some of the continent’s most iconic and sought-after destinations, including Mount Fuji, Tokyo, Palawan, and Seoul.
The ranking was released by U.S. News & World Report, a leading American media organisation renowned for its global rankings, consumer advice, and in-depth analysis across sectors including travel. The list is topped by Mount Fuji in Japan, followed by Tokyo, Palawan in the Philippines, and Seoul in South Korea, with Sri Lanka securing fifth place.
In describing Asia, the publication noted that it is “the planet’s largest continent, a world unto itself, with destinations that grant travellers uniquely enriching experiences that can’t be found close to home.” The 2026 rankings were compiled after evaluating a range of factors including local prices, accessibility, cuisine, diversity of attractions, and reader feedback.
Highlighting Sri Lanka’s appeal, U.S. News & World Report praised the country’s natural and cultural diversity, noting that it offers world-class travel experiences without the heavy tourist crowds seen in many popular Asian destinations. The publication described Sri Lanka as an island nation off the southern tip of India that boasts rainforests, beaches, and ancient ruins, while maintaining a more relaxed and less congested tourism environment.
It further noted that despite its small geographical size, Sri Lanka is home to 26 national parks, many of which offer safari experiences where visitors can encounter elephants, leopards, and sloth bears. Iconic heritage sites such as the 600-foot Sigiriya rock fortress and the ancient temples of Polonnaruwa were also highlighted, along with the palm-fringed golden beaches that line much of the country’s coastline, offering options for both adventure and leisure travellers.
Sri Lanka’s inclusion in the top five comes at a time when the country’s tourism sector is regaining momentum, reinforcing its position as a resilient and competitive destination in the Asian region. The broader top 20 list for 2026 also features destinations such as Chiang Mai, Bhutan, Hanoi, Bali, Phuket, Kyoto, the Maldives, Singapore, and Agra, underscoring the significance of Sri Lanka’s high ranking among Asia’s most celebrated travel locations.
Galadari extends $ 48 m hotel refurbishment timeline by 12 months
Galadari Hotels (Lanka) PLC yesterday said it has entered into a further Supplementary Agreement with the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) to extend the project implementation period for the refurbishment of the Galadari Hotel in Colombo 1.
The company said the agreement was signed on 23 December, following a Board decision taken on 22 December. The extension is for a further 12 months, commencing from 10 November 2025 up to 9 November 2026.
The company had previously informed the market of its agreement with the BOI in relation to the refurbishment project, as well as a subsequent Supplementary Agreement to increase the envisaged investment from $ 33.5 million to $ 48.5 million.
The Galadari share price closed Rs. 0.10 up to Rs. 18.10 yesterday.
