Sri Lanka’s National Tourism Vision for 2030 aims to achieve five million tourist arrivals, generate USD 10 billion in tourism revenue, and expand the tourism workforce to 800,000 people by that year. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya announced these targets at the 45th Graduation Ceremony of the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) on July 31, 2026.
SLITHM Graduation Ceremony Marks Government Commitment
The 45th Graduation Ceremony of SLITHM was held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) on July 31, 2026. Established in 1964 as the Ceylon Hotel School, SLITHM has trained skilled tourism professionals for over six decades, recognized locally
and internationally. Attending the event were Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya as Chief Guest, Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism Dheera Hettiarachchi, and SLITHM Chairman Wasantha Manthripala.
Tourism Sector Recovery and Recent Performance
By 2026, Sri Lanka’s tourism sector had recovered from challenges including Cyclone Ditwah, transforming from a crisis-affected industry into a key driver of economic revival. In 2025, the sector generated approximately USD 3.2 billion in revenue, reaffirming its importance to the national economy. Tourist arrivals from January to July 2026 exceeded 1.3 million visitors. Tourism-related employment, including direct and indirect jobs, reached more than 429,000, contributing
significantly to Sri Lankan families and communities.
Prime Minister Outlines Workforce and Inclusion Priorities
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated the government seeks tourism professionals who are environmentally responsible, ethically grounded, adaptable, and committed to quality service. She highlighted SLITHM’s promotion of inclusion by creating opportunities for persons with disabilities in the tourism industry. The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of gender equality and safe, supportive workplaces that encourage women’s participation in tourism employment.
