Development of Tourism in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an island in the Indian Ocean, also often called the “The Pearl of the Indian Ocean”.Tourism in Sri Lanka has had its ups and downs. Such things like the civil war is now over, but for the past thirty years that the war was ongoing, a lot of people feared to travel to Sri Lanka and the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami . But despite all these events, the tourism in Sri Lanka is still one of the major profit generating industries.

Sri Lanka may be a small island, but it has a lot to offer. From its beautiful beaches, to their exotic foods and diverse cultural heritage. The tropical weather in Sri Lanka is all year round except for the monsoon season which usually ranges from mid-year to the end of the year. Foreigners visit often to be in the warm weather. Sri Lanka has so many beautiful beaches that are still untouched and not commercialized.

Over one million tourists came to Sri Lanka in 2012. Other up and coming tourist attractions are precious stone mining in Ratnapura, “The Gem City” as it is known and also ecotourism. Travelers today like the idea of travelling while also doing their part to help preserve the environment.

Buddhism has the biggest influence in molding Sri Lanka’s diverse cultural heritage and also a big factor in drawing in the crowds to Sri Lanka. From temples, relics, religious landmarks and Ayurveda. Sri Lanka has started its campaign on ecotourism and spa-like ayurvedic treatments, banking on the diverse flora and fauna found there.

                                                       Namunukula Mountain

No matter what natural disaster or civil war comes upon Sri Lanka, its beauty and purity have made its mark on the world. There is no doubt that Sri Lankan tourism today is expected to reap the benefits after thirty years of struggle and the tragic tsunami, with hope and bright prospects on the horizon.


Ruwan Gamage
Hospitality,Tourism and Events Management
Uva-wellassa University