The government has decided to establish an operations committee comprising officials from both the public and private sectors to take swift and coordinated measures to promote sports tourism in Sri Lanka.
Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath announced the initiative during a special meeting held today (16) at the Ministry of Tourism, attended by representatives from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sri Lanka Cricket, and several national sports federations.
The discussion centered on strategies to attract international visitors by hosting and promoting major national and international sports events, including cricket, rugby, and football tournaments. Officials noted that Sri Lanka already draws thousands of athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators annually for various sporting activities.
Sri Lanka’s growing popularity for surfing, white-water rafting, mountaineering, cycling, and marathons was also highlighted as an opportunity to expand the sports tourism segment. According to officials, around 40 cricket matchesare scheduled for the first four months of next year, alongside numerous other events.
However, participants pointed out that the tourism potential of sports events remains underutilized, prompting the decision to form the new operations committee to link sports with broader tourism promotion efforts.
Minister Herath emphasized that sports tourism is a key component of Sri Lanka’s long-term tourism strategy.
“The new committee will help identify the unique potential of this sector and guide future development initiatives to position Sri Lanka as a leading sports tourism destination,” he said.
The committee will also develop strategies to connect the sports and tourism industries, enhance international promotion, improve infrastructure, and provide policy guidance for the sector’s sustainable growth.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe and Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage.
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