The Government of Sri Lanka has unveiled a National Tourism Vision for 2030 aiming to attract five million tourist arrivals, develop a tourism workforce of 800,000 people, and generate USD 10 billion in tourism revenue by the end of the decade. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya made the announcement on July 31, 2026, during the 45th Graduation Ceremony of the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH).
Tourism financial performance and visitor numbers have shown positive trends in recent years. In 2025, Sri Lanka generated approximately USD 3.2 billion
in tourism revenue. From January to July 2026, tourist arrivals exceeded 1.3 million visitors. Tourism-related employment also expanded, with more than 429,000 direct and indirect jobs recorded in 2026, reflecting the sector’s growing contribution to the economy.
SLITHM’s Role in Tourism Professional Development
Founded in 1964 as the Ceylon Hotel School by the Sri Lankan government, SLITHM has established a legacy of over six decades in training skilled professionals in tourism and hotel management. The institution has contributed substantially to nurturing qualified individuals whose expertise is recognized nationally and internationally. At the graduation event, Prime Minister Amarasuriya awarded certificates and accolades to the new cohort of
graduates.
Tourism Sector Recovery and Economic Impact
The Prime Minister noted that by mid-2026, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry had significantly rebounded after facing multiple challenges, including the effects of Cyclone Ditwah. The sector transformed from a crisis-impacted industry into a pivotal driver of economic recovery. The tourism sector’s expansion has enhanced livelihoods by supporting more than 429,000 jobs, indicating its integral role in community welfare and national growth.
Inclusion and Gender Equality Efforts in Tourism
SLITHM promotes inclusivity by facilitating opportunities for persons with disabilities to engage in the tourism sector, advancing efforts to create a more equitable and accessible industry. Prime Minister Amarasuriya emphasized the necessity of establishing safe and supportive workplaces
to encourage women’s participation, aiming to foster a balanced and productive workforce within the tourism domain.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of cultivating tourism professionals who demonstrate environmental responsibility, strong ethics, adaptability, and dedication to quality service to meet the sector’s future demands.
The graduation ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism Dheera Hettiarachchi, Chairman of SLITHM Wasantha Manthripala, the CEO/Director General of SLITHM, diplomatic personnel, SLITHM academic and non-academic staff, graduates, and their families, underscoring the government’s commitment to the announced tourism goals.
