Sri Lanka wants 'big brother' India to help revive tourism

After the terror attacks in Sri Lanka on April 21 killed about 250 people and injured at least 500, its has been severely hit, with tourism numbers falling by 70 percent a month after the incident. A Sri Lankan delegation visited India in mid-June, inviting Indian tourists by slashing airline, hotel and transport prices by up to 60 percent, until September.

Indians account for the largest number of tourists in Sri Lanka—4 lakh in 2018 and 1.5 lakh in the first three months of 2019. While the initial target was to bring in 5 lakh Indians in 2019, it has been revised to 3 lakh.

“I assure all of India that Sri Lanka is secure. All those directly and indirectly involved in the attacks are in custody, and several countries have lifted their travel advisories, including India,” says John Amaratunga, tourism minister, wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs. Estimates state that Sri Lanka’s tourism losses after the attacks could amount to $1.5 billion. “Last year, we made $4.5 billion from tourism, and had estimated about $5 billion this year. Of course, those were derailed... we may be close to a $3 billion target now.”

“India is our big brother and we hope that Indians will make the most of our lovely country and help us in our time of need,” says Kishu Gomes, chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.