The Government of Sri Lanka has set a National Tourism Vision aiming to attract five million tourist arrivals, generate USD 10 billion in tourism revenue, and expand the tourism workforce to 800,000 people by 2030.
Announcement at SLITHM 45th Graduation
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya announced these targets on July 31, 2026, while acting as Chief Guest at the 45th Graduation Ceremony of the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo. The event gathered government officials including Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism Dheera Hettiarachchi,
SLITHM Chairman Wasantha Manthripala, the CEO/Director General of SLITHM, diplomatic representatives, graduates, and their families.
Recent Tourism Sector Performance
In 2025, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry generated approximately USD 3.2 billion in revenue. Tourist arrivals exceeded 1.3 million from January through July 2026. Employment connected to the tourism sector reached over 429,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2026, reflecting its sizeable role in the national economy.
Sector Recovery and Economic Role
Following disruptions such as the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has rebounded significantly. By 2026, it shifted from a crisis-affected industry into a leading contributor to the country’s economic recovery. This resilience has positioned tourism as
a key driver for revitalizing Sri Lanka’s economy.
Workforce Development and Inclusion Goals
The Prime Minister stressed that meeting the 2030 targets requires cultivating tourism professionals with environmental responsibility, ethical standards, adaptability, and commitment to high-quality services. SLITHM’s initiatives to promote inclusion, especially for persons with disabilities, represent critical steps toward an equitable sector. Additionally, emphasis was placed on ensuring gender equality and safe, supportive workplaces to enable women’s increased participation in tourism employment.
SLITHM’s Historical Contribution
Established in 1964 as the Ceylon Hotel School by the Government of Sri Lanka, SLITHM has contributed over six decades of training skilled professionals recognized nationally and internationally. The institution continues
to play a central role in preparing the tourism workforce essential to achieving the government’s National Tourism Vision.
