Sri Lanka’s tourism task force focuses on cable car projects and visa-free entry
The Morning: The Government is considering the introduction of cable car facilities at key tourist destinations, including Sri Pada, as part of efforts to strengthen tourism infrastructure, officials said following a Tourism Task Force meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat on 28 April.
The meeting, chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, reviewed proposals to launch cable car projects at Sri Pada, with additional locations such as Kikiliyamana and Ella also identified for potential development. Officials said attention was directed toward feasibility studies, securing preliminary approvals, and assessing technical reports required for implementation.
The discussion also covered the planned introduction of visa-free entry for citizens of 40 countries from 25 May, a measure expected to support tourist arrivals.
Progress on improving visitor facilities at national parks was reviewed, including sanitation upgrades at 19 locations managed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, among them Yala. Officials noted that a programme is underway, with maintenance of facilities such as toilets entrusted to a private entity, alongside plans to install new systems.
Separately, the Task Force discussed establishing a dedicated tourist zone along the coastal stretch from Kollupitiya, aimed at improving visitor safety and enhancing the area’s appeal. The project is expected to attract between 2,000 and 3,000 tourists.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s growing tourism industry is opening up a new wave of business/investment opportunities, particularly in infrastructure and experience-driven travel. The Sri Lankan government’s proposal to introduce cable car facilities at major tourist destinations such as Sri Pada signals a broader commitment to modernising tourism infrastructure and improving accessibility to iconic attractions. For foreign businesses/investors, this creates significant opportunities across multiple sectors. Infrastructure development projects such as cable car systems, eco-friendly transport solutions, hospitality ventures, and destination management services are expected to attract strong demand as tourist arrivals continue to rise. Businesses/investors with expertise in sustainable tourism, engineering, smart mobility, and leisure development can play a key role in shaping Sri Lanka’s next phase of tourism growth. Also, opportunities extend to hotels and resorts, wellness tourism, adventure tourism, digital tourism platforms, and supporting services including retail, food and beverage, and logistics. With the Sri Lankan government prioritising tourism as a major economic driver, public-private partnerships (PPPs) and foreign direct investment are likely to become increasingly important in developing world-class visitor experiences. As Sri Lanka strengthens its position as a leading travel destination in the region, foreign businesses/investors entering the market early stand to benefit from long-term growth potential in an expanding and increasingly diversified tourism sector.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20260507/Z_1 |