The revenue that was earned from the tourism sector in 2025 was US $ 3.2 billion, which is a significant drop compared to the 2018 figure , which is US$ 4.3 billion, a top tourism sector specialist said.
‘Comparatively there is a revenue deficit of US $ 1.2 billion, which we cannot be satisfied with at any cost, ‘Island Leisure Lanka’ founder chairman Chandana Amaradasa said.
Amaradasa made these observations at a Rotary Club joint meeting organised by Rotary Club Colombo South, featuring also the Rotary Clubs of Kolonnawa and Sri Jayawardenapura, at the Kingsbury Hotel on Tuesday.
Amaradasa added: ‘To develop the tourism sector the government has to do many things which previous governments comprehensively failed to take up.
‘The revenue that comes from the local tourism sector is four to five percent of the GDP, while in Dubai it is more than 45 percent of the GDP.
‘At present the country has 51000 rooms, out of which not more than 10000 rooms are at the four to five star level. Of that number 6000 rooms are located in Colombo, which is a major issue for tourism promotion in tourism potential areas.
‘Sri Lanka should focus on high quality standards in tourism and also develop the East Coast with the necessary infrastructure; especially having an international airport is absolutely necessary.
‘Colombo could be developed as a MICE tourism hub in the region. But not having an international level conference/convention hall is a another bottle neck in promoting that market as well.’
By Hiran H Senewiratne (The Island Online)
