“With the record-breaking footfall of about 3.75 lakh Indian tourists in Sri Lanka in this year alone, the country is regaining its value as the most preferred destination,” said Shirani Herath, Assistant Director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.
Speaking at the Sri Lanka tourism event here on Monday, she said as the Sri Lanka’s tourism sector had recorded over USD 2.3 billion earnings up to August 2025, the total tourists footfall from January to September 2025 stood at 17.25 lakh.
To improve the connectivity with India for inviting more tourists and make the travel more seamless, the Sri Lanka Airlines has been operating 88 flights connecting their country with nine Indian cities with short travel times, she added.
“Sri Lanka Airlines operates to several cities in South India including Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Madurai, Tiruchi and Thiruvananthapuram,” Ms. Herath stated.
Fawzan Faried, Regional Manager – India, Sri Lanka Airlines, said, “Tamil Nadu and the wider South India region represent a fast-growing travel market with discerning travellers looking for authentic experiences. Sri Lanka offers diversity – from heritage to nature, wellness to adventure – all within a short flight.”
The roadshow events and networking meetings in Madurai and in other districts like Coimbatore and Chennai on October 8 and 10 respectively are organised to promote Sri Lanka as a year-round destination for leisure, MICE and spiritual travel.
“These events are a step towards building stronger trade partnerships and encouraging more visitors from South India to explore the facets of Sri Lanka,” he emphasised.
With the visa free entry for Indian tourists, those planning for a hassle-free travel could make choose Sri Lanka as their annual destination, he stated.
Published – October 06, 2025 10:21 pm IST
