Sri Lanka Tourism Awareness Program Wraps Up in Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai

Priyal Dutta6 months Ago1 Mins read763

Sri Lanka Tourism Awareness Program Wraps Up in Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai

The panel discussions and presentations showcased Sri Lanka’s tourism sectors—leisure, culture, wellness, adventure, wildlife, MICE, and weddings—and the ongoing collaboration between public and private stakeholders.

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.

Written by

Priyal Dutta - Senior Correspondent/Editor

As Senior Correspondent and Editor at Safari India, I write about the people, businesses, and trends shaping the travel, tourism, hospitality, aviation, and lifestyle industries. My work ranges from breaking news and exclusive interviews to in-depth features and industry analysis, with a focus on delivering accurate, balanced, and engaging stories. I enjoy uncovering the details behind every story and presenting them in a way that keeps readers informed and connected to an ever-evolving industry.