Milestone moment for Sri Lanka's tourism

Welcoming its 2.30 millionth international visitor at Bandaranaike International Airport - a milestone that not only surpasses previous records but stands as a travel destination.

- BY ZANITA CAREEM

With smiles and ceremony- Sri Lanka celebrates the arrival of its 2.30 millionth international visitor

This achievement caps a remarkable year in which Sri Lanka recorded its highest ever annual tourist arrivals, signalling robust global confidence in hospitality, culture, and natural beauty.

Amidst drumbeats, smiles and the unmistakable warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality, the island reached a landmark moment in its tourism journey welcoming its 2.30 millionth visitors. Buoyed by international accolades, renewed global confidence and a vibrant calendar of experiences, Sri Lanka tourism once again is one of momentum, optimism and celebration a small island making a big statement on the world tourism landscape.

Sri Lanka has reached a landmark moment in its tourism journey welcoming its 2.3 millionth visitor marking a defining moment for tourism recovery at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Speaking at a special ceremony at (BIA) to welcome the record-breaking event. Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairman Buddika Kariyawasam outlined that this is a milestone and spoke of revival, resilience and renowned global confidence in the island nation. He said this is more than just a number, the achievement marks a turning point for a sector that has weathered unprecedented challenges and emerged with fresh optimism and purpose.

The record breaking 2,333,797th tourist was identified as Professor Beslin Felix Perera, a Professor based in Papua New Guinea arrived from India with his wife and daughter on the Sri Lankan flight marking the symbolic achievement of the country's highest ever annual tourist traffic.