Sri Lanka Tourism Holds Awareness Sessions in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai
The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) held a Sri Lanka Tourism Awareness Programme in three Indian cities—New Delhi (7 January 2026), Mumbai (8 January 2026), and Chennai (9 January 2026), to strengthen engagement with the Indian travel trade and media and to share updates on Sri Lanka’s tourism readiness.
Delegation and Key Participants
The New Delhi session was attended by a delegation and industry representatives, including:
H.E. Mahishini Colonne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India (New Delhi)
Mr. Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman, SLTPB
Ms. Shirani Herath, Assistant Director, SLTPB
Mr. Nalin Jayasundera, President, Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO)
Mr. Anura Lokuhetty, Past President, The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL)
Mr. Fawzan Fareid, Regional Manager – India, Bangladesh & Nepal, SriLankan Airlines
The Mumbai session was attended by Ms. Priyanga Wickremasinghe, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai, while the Chennai session was attended by H.E. Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Chennai.
Focus Areas of the Sessions
The awareness sessions provided updates on:
Destination readiness and tourism operations
Air connectivity and travel facilitation
Accommodation capacity and on-ground services
Collaboration opportunities with the Indian travel trade
The panel discussions and presentations highlighted Sri Lanka’s tourism offerings across leisure, culture, wellness, adventure, wildlife, MICE, and weddings, as well as ongoing coordination between public- and private-sector stakeholders.
An interactive Q&A session enabled trade and media participants to ask questions and discuss operational updates, fostering clearer communication and stronger working relationships.
Tourism Arrivals and India’s Contribution
SLTPB shared that Sri Lanka recorded 2,362,521 total tourist arrivals last year. India accounted for 531,511 arrivals, representing 22.3% of total arrivals, reinforcing its role as Sri Lanka’s leading source market.
Engagement with the Indian Travel Trade
The programme brought together tour operators, airlines, media representatives, and other industry partners. Sri Lanka Tourism representatives reiterated the importance of maintaining regular engagement with Indian travel partners and providing timely updates on travel conditions and visitor services.
The three-city programme is part of SLTPB’s broader outreach efforts in India aimed at strengthening destination messaging and supporting tourism growth from the Indian market.
Sri Lanka Tourism continues to work with industry stakeholders to promote the island as a year-round destination for Indian travellers, with a focus on accessibility, varied experiences, and consistent visitor support.
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