The Government of Sri Lanka announced targets to achieve five million tourist arrivals, USD 10 billion in tourism revenue, and a tourism workforce of 800,000 people by 2030.
SLITHM Graduation Ceremony Marks Announcement
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya unveiled these goals during the 45th Graduation Ceremony of the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) held on 31 July 2026 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). Established in 1964 as the Ceylon Hotel School, SLITHM is recognized for producing skilled professionals who serve the tourism sector both domestically and internationally. At the ceremony, the Prime Minister presented awards and certificates to
the graduating students.
Recent Recovery Metrics in Tourism
Tourism revenue in Sri Lanka reached approximately USD 3.2 billion in 2025, according to official data. From January to July 2026, tourist arrivals surpassed 1.3 million visitors. Employment related to tourism, both direct and indirect, has grown to over 429,000 jobs, signaling the sector’s expanding contribution to the national economy.
Professionalism and Inclusion in Tourism
Prime Minister Amarasuriya emphasized that realizing the 2030 targets requires tourism professionals who demonstrate environmental responsibility, ethical grounding, adaptability, and commitment to quality service. The government supports SLITHM’s efforts to include persons with disabilities in tourism roles. Gender equality and ensuring safe workplaces for women remain priorities
within the tourism workforce to foster a balanced and productive industry environment.
Key Officials at the Ceremony
The graduation event 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, various diplomatic representatives, members of SLITHM’s academic and non-academic staff, and graduating students along with their families.
