Tourism Development in Sri Lanka: A Review of Literature

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has played a pivotal role in the country’s economic development, contributing significantly to GDP, foreign exchange earnings, and employment. Over the years, the government has implemented several tourism master plans, with the most recent being the Third Tourism Master Plan introduced in 2008, which was instrumental in the sector’s post-war recovery. The end of Sri Lanka’s 30-year civil war in 2009 acted as a turning point, enabling the country to launch new tourism promotion strategies and experience a rapid increase in tourist arrivals, particularly in coastal and cultural regions. However, the sector’s growth has not come without challenges. Political instability, such as the long-running civil conflict and recent economic crises, has shown how fragile tourism can be as a driver of growth. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerability of tourism to global health crises, severely impacting the number of international arrivals and revenue.While tourism development has bolstered the economy, it has also led to environmental degradation, especially in popular tourist areas like the southern coastal belt, where overdevelopment has disrupted local communities and ecosystems. Infrastructure limitations, including poor road networks and insufficient accommodation, continue to hinder the country’s ability to cater to the growing demand for premium tourism experiences. Additionally, concerns about the commercialization of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage have arisen, as some aspects of the local culture are marketed in ways that feel inauthentic or exploitative.For Sri Lanka to achieve sustainable tourism growth, future policies must focus on improving infrastructure, preserving cultural integrity, and adopting environmentally responsible practices. Addressing these challenges will ensure that the tourism sector continues to thrive while contributing to long-term socio-economic benefits for the country.