The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I thank the Hon. Member for these important questions.

¶ 02 First, I wish to acknowledge the tragic incident last Saturday at the Ella tourist area. We extend our gratitude to the staff of Badulla Teaching Hospital, Badulla Fire Brigade, Diyatalawa and Wellawaya Army detachments, local businesses, three‑wheeler community, traders’ association and residents who risked their own safety to rescue victims. Ella is a globally popular destination—and its people showed great heart.

¶ 03 Answers:

¶ 04 1. Tourism revenue and GDP share: - In 2024, tourism earned USD 3.17 billion. For 2025, data up to 30 June (first six months) shows USD 1.7 billion earned. The target for 2025 is USD 5 billion. - GDP share: 2024 contribution was about 3.2% with 2 million tourists. For the first six months of 2025, contribution is about 3.4%. Our target for 2025 is around 4.5%, with the high season ahead.

¶ 05 2. Arrivals up to 31 August 2025: 1,566,523 tourists. Year‑over‑year growth is 16%, compared to a global average of around 5%, showing Sri Lanka as a strongly emerging destination.

¶ 06 3. Objectives of the Presidential Task Force on Tourism: - Policy analysis, strategic planning (five‑year plan) and oversight. - Identification of challenges (e.g., global conflicts, strong regional competition—Vietnam pricing, air access) and proposing solutions. - Monitoring and evaluation, including registration and supervision of sector enterprises; recognition of high‑performing service providers. - Devolution to sub‑national levels: establish empowered bodies at district and destination levels to implement national decisions efficiently. - Expanding infrastructure and facilities at key attractions within resource availability. - Advancing a sustainable and participatory tourism economy—mainstreaming tourism benefits island‑wide and creating opportunities for local communities. - Promotion, marketing and branding: structured global campaigns, trade fairs, roadshows, and developing a coherent national brand, leveraging international expertise (e.g., India’s “Incredible India” team has engaged with us).

¶ 07 4. The Gazette establishing the PTF, including membership, will be tabled for the House. The PTF is envisaged as an empowered, cross‑agency body to expedite decisions on investment facilitation, access, and visitor experience enhancements.