Sri Lanka marks milestone in sustainable tourism with Sigiriya

SLTDA Director Tharanga Rupasinghe (left) receiving her certificate of appreciation

Sri Lanka is making significant strides in the global movement towards sustainable tourism, with several key initiatives now reaching critical milestones. These efforts help protect the island’s natural and cultural resources, enhance energy and resource efficiency, and most importantly, deliver real benefits to local communities.

The concept of Sustainable Tourism Certification in Sri Lanka began in 2018 with technical guidance from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and financial support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) BIOFIN project. In 2019, the National Sustainable Tourism Certification (NSTC) system was successfully piloted, certifying 37 hotels across the island.

Further progress was marked with the launch of the Sustainable Destination Certification initiative in 2023, which concluded in 2024 with Sigiriya being officially declared Sri Lanka’s first Sustainable Destination, following Cabinet approval. This achievement was supported by a comprehensive Destination Management Plan developed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which also aims to enhance surrounding attractions in the area.

The internationally recognised body Green Destinations, accredited by the GSTC, is collaborating with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and other stakeholders to guide this process. The Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector is also seeing growth through the ‘Good Travel’ certification program, with over 200 businesses islandwide now participating in the second round under the continued support of UNDP BIOFIN.

Recognising the need to focus more on accommodation and tour operations, the SLTDA established a dedicated Sustainable Tourism Unit (STU) headed by the SLTDA Deputy Director General. To strengthen industry engagement, a sustainability self-assessment system was introduced in collaboration with Solidaridad Sri Lanka, enabling businesses to assess and improve their sustainability performance.

These achievements are the result of strong partnerships with numerous institutions, including the UNDP, the primary funder of the national sustainable tourism program, the ADB, for supporting destination planning and infrastructure development, Solidaridad Sri Lanka, for awareness campaigns, community outreach, and the sustainability assessment platform, the Central Cultural Fund (CCF), for unwavering commitment and inter-agency cooperation, the Urban Development Authority (UDA), Forest Department, Department of Wildlife Conservation, Central Environmental Authority (CEA), DS Office Dambulla, and the Sigiriya-Dambulla Pradeshiya Sabha, Sigiriya Hospital, and local defence institutions, and tourism industry associations, SLITO, THASL, TAASL, ASMET, the Cultural Triangle Hoteliers Association, and grassroots groups such as guides, three-wheeler associations, and SME collectives.

This success story is only the beginning. As word spreads, other provinces have shown interest and are already learning from the Sigiriya model, reinforcing a nationwide commitment to sustainable tourism.

Special appreciation is extended to Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, and the Ministry Secretary, whose leadership and vision have made these advances possible.

The SLTDA also expresses its sincere gratitude to all stakeholders – Government agencies, private sector entities, community leaders, and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) – who have dedicated time, energy, and resources over the past two years to turn this vision into a reality.

As the SLTDA moves forward, it invites all sectors to unite and expand these efforts, ensuring a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.