The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) successfully conducted a three-city Sri Lanka Tourism Awareness Programme in New Delhi (7 January), Mumbai (8 January) and Chennai (9 January) 2026, reaffirming the island nation’s readiness to welcome visitors and strengthening engagement with India’s travel trade and media.
The sessions were led by a high-level Sri Lankan delegation, including H.E. Mahishini Colonne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, Mr. Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman, SLTPB, and Ms. Shirani Herath, Assistant Director, SLTPB. Industry representation included Mr. Nalin Jayasundera, President, SLAITO, Mr. Anura Lokuhetty, Past President, THASL, and Mr. Fawzan Fareid, Regional Manager – India, Bangladesh & Nepal, SriLankan Airlines.
The Mumbai session was attended by Ms. Priyanga Wickremasinghe, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai, while the Chennai programme saw the participation of H.E. Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Chennai.
The panel highlighted destination readiness, enhanced air connectivity, accommodation capacity, and growing public–private sector collaboration, reaffirming Sri Lanka’s strong focus on the Indian market. An interactive Q&A session addressed trade and media queries, reinforcing confidence among Indian travel partners.
Sri Lanka Tourism reported a record 2,362,521 tourist arrivals last year, marking the highest-ever annual figure. India emerged as the largest source market, contributing 531,511 arrivals, accounting for 22.3% of total inbound traffic.
The sessions brought together key stakeholders from India’s travel trade, airlines, tour operators and media, offering updated insights on connectivity, safety, and new tourism experiences across leisure, culture, wellness, adventure, wildlife, MICE and weddings. Special emphasis was placed on seamless travel facilitation and high-quality visitor experiences for Indian travellers.
The three-city roadshow forms part of SLTPB’s broader outreach strategy to reinforce positive destination messaging and drive tourist arrivals from India, positioning Sri Lanka as a preferred year-round destination for Indian travellers.
