Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has announced that the government is launching a new tourism development initiative focused on empowering rural communities and enhancing the capacity of local tourism service providers.
She made this statement during the inaugural ceremony of the China–Sri Lanka–Maldives Tourism Forum, held on June 16 at Cinnamon Life Hotel in Colombo under the theme “Connectivity and Collaborative Success along the Silk Road.”
In her address, the Prime Minister emphasized that the forum aims not just to boost economic growth through tourism, but also to deepen cultural ties, human connection, and regional collaboration across South Asia.
Dr. Amarasuriya highlighted the rich tourism offerings of the three participating nations – China’s vast cultural and natural diversity, the Maldives’ world-class island experiences, and Sri Lanka’s fusion of heritage, nature, and culture.
She also noted the government’s commitment to:
- Promoting community-based and eco-tourism,
- Strengthening digital tourism infrastructure,
- Supporting women entrepreneurs and youth,
- Streamlining visa and health protocols, and
- Attracting regional investment.
“This forum allows us to collaborate more deeply, aligning policies and innovations that will uplift rural areas and ensure that tourism growth benefits all communities,” the Prime Minister said.
She concluded by emphasizing that beyond economic value, tourism is a bridge for human connection, peacebuilding, and global empathy.
The event was attended by representatives from China and the Maldives, including officials from the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism and heads of diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka.
