Steady growth in tourism
Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardane has said that there is a steady increase in the number of tourists in the first five months of this year in comparison to the same period, last year.
The Minister said that 151,495 tourists had arrived in Sri Lanka from January to May during last year. It has increased to 233,922 during this year up to May. He said that an increase of 48.5 percent increase has been indicated in June this year.
The United States has lifted the travel advisory on Sri Lanka issued for tourists. The Insurance surcharge imposed on shipping has also been waived. The Minister pointed out that the peaceful atmosphere in the country is drawing an increased number of tourists.