AGP Executive Report

Tourism Surge: Sri Lanka logged a record May with 145,745 international arrivals (+9.65% YoY), pushing total arrivals for the first five months past 1.02 million, even as June starts softer. Aviation & Cargo: Luxembourg-backed WEAIR Cargo Airline officially launched in Sri Lanka on June 6 to boost air cargo capacity and regional connectivity. Visa & Travel Access: Sri Lanka waives tourist visa fees for visitors from Omani citizens, while separate reporting notes South Africans can now access 101 destinations visa-free (Togo added). Tourism Governance: Former Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau MD Rumy Jauffer was remanded over alleged Rs. 7.8m misuse tied to election-linked campaign spending. Clean City Push: Cabinet approved Rs. 150m for 26 public sanitation projects under the Clean Sri Lanka Program to improve facilities for residents and tourists. Currency Rules: CBSL issued new Gazette rules tightening export proceeds conversion timelines to 30 days (with conversion due by the 10th of the next month). New Experiences in Galle: Radisson Blu Galle’s Yazu at the Beach is positioning itself as a go-to venue for intimate celebrations with Pan-Asian dining. International Link: Qatar Airways resumes daily Doha–Philadelphia flights from Aug 1 with Qsuite and Starlink. Safety & Support Abroad: UAE crash relief: Burjeel Holdings’ Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil announced AED 1m support for families of victims and injured survivors, including a Sri Lankan national.

Tourism Numbers: Sri Lanka hit a new record in May with 145,745 international arrivals (+10% YoY), but the industry is still worried about earnings—tourism revenue fell 19.4% in the first four months of 2026, despite visitor growth. Visa & Access: Sri Lanka waived tourist visa fees for travellers from 40 countries via a free 30-day ETA (from May 25), aiming to boost short-stay leisure demand. New Direct Flights Push: The Sri Lanka Embassy in Viet Nam and VJSC co-hosted a tourism promotion in Ho Chi Minh City, timed for upcoming direct flights—VietJet from Aug 18, and Vietnam Airlines later in 2026. Clean Sri Lanka Upgrade: Cabinet approved Rs. 150m for 26 public sanitation projects across 24 local government areas to improve facilities for residents and tourists. Export Forex Rules: CBSL issued new Gazette rules tightening the repatriation and conversion of export proceeds, requiring conversion of residual foreign currency by the 10th of the following month. Regional Links: Sri Lanka–Thailand business ties marked 25 years through the Sri Lanka–Thailand Business Council, highlighting trade and investment cooperation. Sports Tourism Angle: Pakistan women will tour Sri Lanka in July for a six-match white-ball series at Hambantota’s Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium.

Tourism Visa Boost: Sri Lanka has waived tourist visa fees for travellers from 40 countries, effective May 25, 2026, with eligible visitors getting a free 30-day ETA—though travellers still must apply for the ETA before arrival. Luxury Travel Growth: Inside Travel Group says it will expand its luxury portfolio with new self-guided programmes in Taiwan (from July) and Sri Lanka (from autumn), aiming to grow its destination network to 13 countries. Travel Deals Tip: MoneySavingExpert highlights a cost-saving strategy for trips to places like Sri Lanka—check package holidays for cheaper flight-inclusive deals, but don’t book the hotel if you don’t need it. Air Connectivity: Emirates confirmed it’s ready to launch daily flights to Berlin and Stuttgart, pending German approvals—good news for European travellers planning longer Sri Lanka stopovers. Health Services Pressure: The Government Physiotherapy Officers Association warns physiotherapy services in some hospitals are crippled by recruitment delays, forcing patients to travel for care. Policy Watch: The Central Bank issued new rules on repatriation of export proceeds, tightening timelines for exporters to convert earnings into rupees.

Sri Lanka–Cyprus Labour Links: Sri Lanka is pushing expanded job opportunities for its workers in Cyprus, with talks focused on urgent signing of bilateral agreements covering sectors like nursing, tourism & hospitality, agriculture, construction and maritime. Tourism & Travel Safety: Sri Lanka is also moving to tackle the growing use of the country by scam networks, setting up a new cybercrimes unit and reporting 1,000+ arrests this year, as investigators warn gangs may shift from Cambodia to Sri Lanka’s tourist hotspots. Vehicle Imports Watch: Sri Lanka’s reopening of vehicle imports is being framed as a fresh test for the post-crisis recovery, after a temporary 50% customs duty surcharge sparked an initial rush for imports via letters of credit. Culture for Travellers: In Doha, Katara Cultural Village and the Sri Lankan embassy hosted a Ceylon Tea Tasting Evening marking International Tea Day and 159 years of Ceylon tea heritage. Diplomatic Milestone: Sri Lanka’s envoy to Indonesia presented her credentials to President Prabowo Subianto, signalling renewed efforts to deepen ties ahead of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Sri Lanka Tourism & Visas: Sri Lanka has waived tourist visa fees for nationals of 40 countries (including India, UK, Oman and others), with a free 30-day ETA—Bangladesh is notably excluded, so Bangladeshi travellers still pay the visa fee. Airport Readiness: A fresh push for better visitor experience points straight at Bandaranaike International Airport, arguing upgrades are overdue because the first impression (queues, staffing, aging facilities) can hurt arrivals. Port City Colombo: Prime and Melwa unveiled the Prime Marina Sales Suite at Port City Colombo, pitching it as a world-class real estate showcase for globally minded investors. Buddhist Travel Links: A Sri Lanka-linked Buddhist delegation is mentioned in coverage of a major relic return from Mongolia to India, with Sri Lanka’s Mahabodhi Society involved—another reminder of the region’s faith-tourism pull. Safety & Travel Disruption: Three Sri Lankan citizens abducted in Ethiopia after seeking work were rescued in a joint operation, with six suspects arrested—an important travel-safety update for diaspora travellers. Regional Sports Tourism: India’s 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is in Sri Lanka with India A ahead of a tri-series, and BCCI says his parents can travel with him on the Ireland/England tours—likely to boost cricket-linked travel interest.

Easter Sunday probe: Sri Lanka’s AG-linked claims say former State Intelligence Service chief Maj. Gen. Suresh Sally masterminded the Easter Sunday attacks, while a court also imposed a foreign travel ban on ex-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa—amid fresh talk of alleged ill-treatment in custody and police denial. Tourism & travel policy: Sri Lanka has waived tourist visa fees for Omani citizens (free 30-day ETA from May 25) and also expanded a 40-country fee waiver list, but Bangladesh remains excluded. Visitor experience upgrade: An online bus booking pilot now lets travellers reserve seats and pick preferences for Makumbura–Matara and Makumbura–Galle routes, aiming to cut queues and improve transparency. Regional safety: Three Sri Lankans abducted in Ethiopia after arriving for work were rescued in a joint operation; six suspects were arrested. Sports-linked travel buzz: India’s BCCI says teen star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s parents can accompany him on tours to Sri Lanka and England/Ireland, with the board covering their expenses—while the second WI-Sri Lanka ODI was washed out by rain. Budget travel angle: A quick guide highlights Sri Lanka as an easy, value-for-money escape from India, with July suited to the east coast.

Tour Visa Update: Sri Lanka has waived tourist visa fees for nationals of 40 countries via a free 30-day ETA, but Bangladesh is left out—so Bangladeshi travellers still pay the usual visa fee. Oman Travel Boost: Omanis also get free tourist visas from May 25, 2026 (up to 30 days, two entries under the same ETA), with the usual passport-validity and health-insurance reminders. Airport Pressure Point: A new push for tourism readiness is being questioned, with attention on Bandaranaike International Airport—queues, staffing and outdated facilities are flagged as the first impression problem. Digital Transport for Travellers: Sri Lanka launched an online bus ticket reservation pilot for Makumbura–Matara and Makumbura–Galle, letting passengers pick seats and book ahead to cut terminal queues. Public Transport Disruption Risk: Private bus operators plan to scale back services from 8 June due to rising costs and no revised fare structure, which could affect holiday travel plans. Aviation Security Leadership: CAASL’s chief has been appointed chair of the Asia-Pacific Aviation Security Programme for 2026/27 as Sri Lanka hosts major aviation security meetings later this month. Tourism Real Estate Spotlight: Prime and Melwa unveiled the Prime Marina Sales Suite at Port City Colombo, positioning it as a globally benchmarked “address” for international investors.

Aviation Security: Sri Lanka’s CAASL chief Captain Daminda Rambukwella has been appointed Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Aviation Security Programme (CASP-AP) for 2026/27, ahead of major regional aviation security summits in Colombo (June 23–26). Tourism Visas: Oman has been granted visa-free tourist entry to Sri Lanka from May 25, 2026 via ETA for up to 30 days (with passport validity and health insurance rules). Transport Disruption: Private bus operators plan to cut services from June 8 due to fuel and cost pressures and an unresolved fare dispute, with fewer buses on the road and priority given only to peak travel times. Safety & Enforcement: A suspect linked to illegal overseas travel from Jaffna to Canada via Ethiopia has been remanded by court. Travel Policy Reminder: Authorities urge travellers to complete entry procedures before departure, keep passports valid for at least six months, and carry health insurance for the full stay. Tourism Business: Aitken Spence reports strong FY26 results, with its Tourism sector driving profits amid improved arrivals, occupancy and room rates. Regional Cricket Spotlight: India’s teen star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is in Sri Lanka with India A, and the BCCI says his parents can accompany him on Ireland/England tours—an extra travel buzz for cricket fans.

Tourism & Safety Alert: Sri Lanka’s Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry is asking the public to help identify a Sri Lankan woman in Lebanon, reportedly known as “Rahma,” and locate her family; tips can be shared with the Consular Affairs Division at Suhurupaya, Battaramulla (confidentially). Regional Travel Tech: Uber has launched in Nepal, its 11th Asia-Pacific market, offering Uber Go/Comfort and Uber Bike, with early driver sign-ups already reported. Public Transport Upgrade: SLT-MOBITEL supported the renovation of Colombo’s Central Bus Stand with end-to-end digital infrastructure, including real-time displays and Wi‑Fi for smoother long-distance travel. Business & Tourism Links: A Sri Lanka–Nepal B2B meeting (Ceylon Chamber and FNCCI) highlighted investment interest in hydropower, tourism, and herbal industries. Sports Tourism Angle: India named Shreyas Iyer as T20I captain and included 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for England/Ireland tours; BCCI also allowed Sooryavanshi’s parents to travel with him—relevant for cricket-linked travel demand.

Public Safety & Consular Help: Sri Lanka’s Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry is asking the public to help identify a woman believed to be of Sri Lankan origin in Lebanon, reportedly known as “Rahma,” and to share any leads with the Consular Affairs Division at Suhurupaya, Battaramulla (confidentially). Digital Transport Upgrade: SLT-MOBITEL has powered the renovation of Colombo’s Central Bus Stand with end-to-end digital infrastructure, including real-time display systems and Wi‑Fi for smoother long-distance travel. Women’s Cricket (Sri Lanka): Shashini Gimhani is ruled out of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 due to a lower-back injury; Chethana Vimukthi is called up as her replacement ahead of Sri Lanka’s June 12 opener vs England. Tourism & Travel Context: A report highlights how Sri Lanka’s tourism and tea exports are being hit by regional instability, with visitors and shipments affected amid wider Middle East tensions. Aviation & Connectivity: A piece revisits Sri Lanka’s Chicago Convention/ICAO milestone from 1948, underlining how aviation standards support global travel and tourism. Mobility Tech in the Region: Uber officially launched in Nepal, positioning ride-hailing as a way to serve tourists and expand beyond taxis—relevant for regional travel trends.

UNICEF & Child Protection: A UNICEF Executive Board delegation met Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees, focusing on stronger legal protections for children, tackling child malnutrition, and improving enforcement of existing policies. Rupee & Tourism Resilience: Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando said rupee depreciation is not an economic crisis, blaming short-term dollar moves on global fuel prices and demand, while pointing to steady foreign exchange from exports, tourism and remittances. Tourism Entry Boost: Sri Lanka waived ETA fees for 40 countries, including Australia and New Zealand, for stays up to 30 days—aimed at pulling in more visitors. Travel Safety & Diplomacy: Sri Lanka expressed concern after an attack on Kuwait International Airport injured three Sri Lankan nationals, urging restraint and reaffirming protection for citizens in the region. Sports (Women’s Cricket): Shashini Gimhani was ruled out of Sri Lanka’s Women’s T20 World Cup squad with a lower-back injury; Chethana Vimukthi was called up. Aviation Milestone: Sri Lanka marked the Chicago Convention anniversary (1 June 2026), underlining the aviation standards that support global connectivity and tourism. Sustainable Travel Business: Khiri Travel released its latest Impact Report, highlighting GSTC certification across its Sri Lanka and other destinations and community projects via Khiri Reach.

Tourism Entry Update: Sri Lanka is making it easier for Australians to visit, with the 30-day ETA paperwork now free of charge for 40 countries including Australia and New Zealand, while travellers still need to apply via the official government site. Aviation & Heritage: Sri Lanka marked the anniversary of signing the Chicago Convention, underlining how ICAO standards support aviation safety and global connectivity—key for tourism and travel growth. Travel Safety & Community Impact: Sri Lanka expressed concern after an attack on Kuwait International Airport injured three Sri Lankan nationals, reiterating its focus on citizens’ safety abroad. Sustainability in Travel: Khiri Travel released its Impact Report, highlighting GSTC certification across eight destinations including Sri Lanka and community projects supported through Khiri Reach. Infrastructure for Visitors: Colombo is set to complete South Asia’s longest irrigation canal, a major step for water security that can support agriculture and regional livelihoods tied to travel areas. Business & Mobility: New electric motorcycle and hybrid SUV launches in Sri Lanka point to growing demand for lower-fuel-cost transport options for travellers and locals alike. Crisis Watch: A deadly fire at an unregistered elderly care home in Kalutara killed at least 12 people, with investigations and arrests underway.

Tourism Boost: Australians can now enter Sri Lanka as tourists free of charge for up to 30 days, with the 30-day ETA cost reportedly removed for 40 countries including Australia and New Zealand—still requiring travellers to get an ETA via the official government site. Electric Mobility: SAIGE’s first electric motorcycle showroom opened in Kadawatha, pushing lower running costs, a claimed ~120 km range per charge, and a 5-year battery warranty. Road to Irrigation: Colombo says South Asia’s longest irrigation canal is nearing completion, with a major Mahaweli Water Security Investment Programme tunnel expected to be finished by month-end to support large-scale farming. Safety Alert: A deadly fire at an unregistered elderly care home in Kalutara killed at least 12 residents and injured seven to eight others; the director was arrested and overcrowding/non-registration flagged. Heritage & Travel Tech: India’s High Commissioner handed IT equipment to Dambulla’s Welagamba Mahapirivena to modernise Buddhist education at the Pirivena. Regional Travel Links: Sri Lanka and the Maldives continue strengthening ties, including a Mutual Legal Assistance framework and multiple MoUs signed during the Maldivian president’s Colombo visit.

Easter Sunday Probe: A Colombo court has imposed a foreign travel ban on former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as investigators widen the 2019 Easter bombings case, with CID saying the attacks were planned and coordinated under former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay. Tourism & Stays: Shangri-La Hambantota marks its 10th anniversary, spotlighting a decade of resort growth in Sri Lanka’s deep south with golf, wellness, wildlife and community-led experiences. Bilateral Travel Links: Sri Lanka and the Maldives are deepening cooperation, including a Mutual Legal Assistance deal in criminal matters, aimed at stronger security and law-enforcement coordination. Digital Payments for Visitors: India–Cambodia UPI QR payments go live, a reminder of how fast cross-border payment options are expanding for travellers across the region. Sports Tourism: West Indies Academy begins a reciprocal multi-format tour of Sri Lanka, while Sri Lanka also drew first blood in an ODI series with a commanding win over West Indies. Cricket Calendar Watch: India’s Kohli is ruled out of Afghanistan ODIs due to a hamstring injury, with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rajat Patidar among the likely replacements for tours that include Sri Lanka.

Tourism Boost: Sri Lanka’s tourism keeps climbing, hitting 1,022,022 arrivals in the first five months of 2026, with May alone bringing 145,745 visitors (India led with 60,342). New Resort Investment (Ella): Vella Group will expand 98 Acres Resort & Spa in Ella with a USD 5.1M BOI-backed deal, adding 11 villas and 32 rooms plus a new restaurant and upgraded wellness/yoga centre, creating about 150 jobs. Connectivity for Travelers: Jetstar plans direct Colombo–Australia flights from August 2026, a move expected to lift tourism and people-to-people links. Visa Relief for UK Travelers: Sri Lanka scrapped the ETA fee for UK passport holders (effective May 25), letting eligible visitors stay up to 30 days—still requiring an ETA application. Easter Bombings Probe: A Colombo court ordered a foreign travel ban on former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as investigators widen the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks case.

Tourism Boost: Sri Lanka’s tourism has crossed the one-million mark, with 1,022,022 arrivals in the first five months of 2026, including 145,745 visitors in May alone, led by India (60,342 in May; 250,260 since Jan). New Resort Investment: Ella’s 98 Acres Resort & Spa will expand under a USD 5.1M BOI deal with Vella Group, adding 11 villas and 32 deluxe rooms plus a new restaurant and upgraded wellness/yoga centre, creating about 150 jobs over 36 months. Air Connectivity Push: Australia-backed support for Sri Lanka’s RCEP bid came alongside a major travel win—direct Jetstar flights from Colombo to Australia are expected to start in August 2026. Urban Tourism Infrastructure: Cabinet approved a Rs 1.475 billion urban development programme to speed up city branding and priority infrastructure in places like Colombo, Kandy, Anuradhapura and Kataragama. Travel & Safety Note: A Bangkok taxi driver returned 8,500 euros and valuables to Sri Lankan tourists after coordinating via FM91.