The government is working towards a tourism development initiative aimed at promoting tourism at the rural level by strengthening the capacity of local tourism service providers, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said.
The Prime Minister made the remarks while participating in the inaugural ceremony of the China–Sri Lanka–Maldives Tourism Forum, held in Colombo yesterday. The event was held under the theme “Connectivity and Collaborative Success along the Silk Road.”
Addressing the event, PM Amarasuriya said the primary vision of this forum is not only to boost economic growth through the tourism industry but also to foster the connection among people, cultural understanding, and regional cooperation within South Asia.
“China continues to attract millions of tourists with its vast and diverse landscapes, centuries-old heritage sites, and distinctly modern cities. The Maldives represents idyllic islands with pristine coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and world-renowned luxury resorts. Sri Lanka offers a unique blend of experiences from the sacred city of Anuradhapura to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, from the golden southern coastline to the mist-covered tea plantations of the central highlands,” she said.
PM Amarasuriya said that, as such, the government is currently focused on building a tourism industry that not only focuses on generating income but also protects the nation’s ecosystems, values cultural heritage, and empowers communities.
Pointing out that in this regard, regional cooperation is of vital importance to Sri Lanka, she said this forum creates the path for streamlining visa processes, aligning health and safety standards, developing integrated marketing strategies, and attracting international investments.
“Our aim is to transform the tourism sector into one that reaches rural communities, supports women entrepreneurs, and encourages youth participation. The government is already taking measures to promote eco-tourism, enhance digital tourism infrastructure, and strengthen the capacity of local tourism service providers. Particularly, attention has also been directed toward establishing a community-based tourism model that ensures tourism benefits reach underrepresented regions of the country,” she said.
PM Amarasuriya went on to note that collaborating with the innovations of China presents an opportunity to elevate the tourism industry to new heights in Sri Lanka.
“It is important to remember that the true value of the tourism industry lies not only in its economic returns but also in its ability to nurture human connections. It provides the power to dismantle uniform perspectives, foster empathy, and build peace. In a divided world, tourism opens pathways to unite across borders, cultures, and generations,” she said.
The event was attended by the heads of the Chinese and Maldivian diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka, along with a delegation from the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and other distinguished guests. (Newswire)
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