Tourism cannot rise on its own in any country because of its linkage to the overall economic and infrastructure development. Therefore the vision, plan and strategy for tourism development for the next 10 years need to be viewed in the light of the overall infrastructure development in the country, specially the areas that have opened up after the achievement of total peace.

Infrastructure development in Sri Lanka that fell behind for decades due to the conflict, now receives attention more than ever. Tourism development needs to be linked to the overall infrastructure development program in order to ensure that most essential pre requisites are in place for tourism investments.

Roadways, supply of water, electricity, sewerage, waste water management, garbage management are the pre-requisites whether they are entrusted to the state or carried out in partnership with investors.

The Government has taken initiatives for road development much earlier and that needs to be directed to areas earmarked for tourism development too.

The infrastructure development in existing tourism locations is another important area with the upgrading and refurbishment plans of the tourism plants. The road network is expected to consider the time taken to reach tourism locations from the airport.

Sri Lanka needs to reach the international ratio between distance and time.

Railway system is yet to be connected to tourism that may not only resolve most of the transportation issues but add value to tourism products. Sri Lanka has a Railway network already in place where it is the upgrading of the carriages, tracks and facilities that is required with which the tourism transportation will take a positive turn.


The site identified for a convention centre in Araly, Jaffna.

Identification of tourism locations, process of acquisition and updating of the land bank, are now placed on fast track in order to make these lands available for potential investors. Some investors have already taken up lands for their tourism plants. Authorities are aware that any delay in this area leads to a huge opportunity cost for Sri Lanka Tourism and economy in general.

At the same time, a close monitoring is needed for the progress of planned projects particularly to see the hurdles that may hinder the investment projects.

Often the complaint is the number of approvals that have to be obtained and the time taken for those.


World famous Sigiriya



Hopefully the Tourism Strategic Action Group (TSAG) is expected to take up not only the policy issues but resolve operational hazards in order to retain the investors and investments.

Sri Lanka may follow the models of the neighbours. A coherent approach towards investments has enabled Singapore and Malaysia to attract investors for tourism projects.

The partnership with the Government and investor is clearly displayed with the integrated Resorts Projects in Singapore and 4 billion Dollar Marina Bay Resort which is expected to be in business this year.


The ruins in Anuradhapura

While the present efforts are commendable to facilitate investors, an overall system is desirable through which the process could go through smoothly as a routine. This has been the model of our competitors to achieve accelerated development and success thereafter. ‘One stop shop’ has been the key word buzzing across the entire sector and that needs to be converted to a reality. In an ideal situation, an investor must be able to have all the information and approvals from one unit that represents all authorities.

In reality, there are practical difficulties to implement this.

Can the Tourism Strategic Action Group operate at two levels viz policy and operational. That could well address the issue when such a committee represents all necessary authorities including BOI, Environment Authorities, Coastal Conservation, Wildlife Authorities and relevant Provincial council or Pradeshiya Sabha.

While the guidelines must be observed, potential investors should not be sent from pillar to post without coordinating assistance. Sri Lanka is a new destination and a venue for potential visitors.

This opportunity may last for another year or so until the glamour is submerged by the massive campaigns and incentives by the competitors. As for the Meetings industry which has a strong tourism element, authorities have identified ideal two locations in Jaffna and Negombo for Convention and Exhibition Centres. While the acquisition process and calling for tenders thereafter can take place, the infrastructure in and around the earmarked locations would be beyond tourism authorities and such macro issues can delay the whole process.

These two projects have a huge potential to portray Sri Lanka as a location for Convention and Exhibitions that would generate revenue several times over holiday makers.

It is the hope of the Meetings industry that these two projects will take-off the ground similar to the timing of the Hambantota Convention Centre which is well on course for completion this year.