Sri Lanka High Commission in London Partners with Secrets of Ceylon for Tourism Push
The Sri Lanka High Commission in the UK, in collaboration with Secrets of Ceylon, hosted a travel and tourism presentation and networking on 26th June 2025 at the High Commission, drawing together with around 35 UK- based key tourism professionals, travel agents, tour operators and free lancers etc.
This event marked the Sri Lanka High Commissioner to the UK Mr. Nimal Senadheera’s first official engagement in the tourism sector in the UK since assuming duties. In his address, High Commissioner Senadheera highlighted the rapid strides Sri Lanka has made in revitalizing its tourism industry. High Commissioner Senadheera said “while recovering from many internal and external shocks, mainly in the period of 2020 to 2023, including the post Covid-19 impact and economic crisis etc, Sri Lanka welcomed over 2 million tourists in 2024, generating over $ 3 billion income which was an increase of 100% compared to the previous year. This trend, while winning many international accolades and rankings, for its “best, beautiful, safer, friendly and family-friendly” destination categories, is expected to continue into 2025 with an expectation of 3 million arrivals and a $ 5 billion in tourism income”. He further mentioned that in terms of the new government’s policy, tourism is among a top economic priority focusing upgrading the facilities from every aspect, also in line with the recently launched programmed by the Hon. President of the country “Clean Sri Lanka”.
Referring UK tourists to Sri Lanka, High Commissioner Senadheera stated the last year the UK was the 3rd largest source of tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka after India and Russia, with a total of 178,339. It also a 40% increase compared to 2023. This year too by mid- June 102,432 UK tourists are reported to have travelled to Sri Lanka an average of well over 15,000 every-month. UK records a 9.0% share of the total arrivals to Sri Lanka and gradually reaching to pre-Covid levels of arrivals.
The keynote presentation was conducted by Mr. Jean-Marc Flambert, Managing Director of Secrets of Ceylon, who unveiled a compelling visual and narrative journey through the island’s lesser-known destinations. He shared insights into boutique experiences in Sri Lanka, an appealing community-led travel that his hotels have been doing, and strategic marketing tools that can effectively position Sri Lanka among discerning UK travelers.
The presentation was followed by an interactive Q&A session moderated by Mr. Somasena Mahadiulwewa, Minister (Commercial) at the High Commission where discussions ranged from the opportunities for promoting off-season travel to Sri Lanka, new tourism sites being built up, promoting optional wildlife national parks, addressing travelers’ concerns regarding safety, infrastructure, environment, required awareness programmes etc. Participants expressed enthusiasm for deeper collaboration and were optimistic about the renewed energy around promoting Sri Lanka as a destination that is both diverse and resilient. The event was also included a networking reception where it had the participants an opportunity to express views and discuss on Sri Lanka’s growing and unmatched tourism industry and its trends and suggested requirements etc,.
27 June 2025
High Commission of Sri Lanka
London
