“Tourism Is Our Strongest Bridge” - Indian Envoy

COLOMBO (News 1st); India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, has underscored the deep cultural and historical ties between the two nations as a foundation for expanding tourism. 

Speaking at a bilateral tourism event, he said:
“From the footsteps of Lord Buddha to the echoes of the Ramayana, our histories are intertwined in ways that inspire travel and discovery even today.”

Highlighting tourism as both an economic driver and a bridge of friendship, Jha noted that India has liberalized its e-visa system for 167 countries, including Sri Lanka, making travel easier. He also pointed to digital innovations such as UPI integration, contactless check-ins, AI-powered assistance, and VR previews of heritage sites, which are transforming the travel experience.

Sri Lanka remains a preferred short-haul destination for Indian travelers, with 430,000 Indian arrivals recorded by October 2025, accounting for 23% of total arrivals. In 2024, the figure stood at 417,000. Connectivity has improved with 150 weekly flights linking Indian cities to Colombo and Jaffna, and the Nagapattinam-Kankesanturai ferry service has resumed, with more maritime routes under consideration.

Jha emphasized the untapped potential:
“India records over 2.5 billion domestic tourist visits annually. If just 1% traveled to Sri Lanka, that would mean 25 million visitors—60 times the current number.”

He praised Sri Lanka’s competitive edge in offering high-quality yet affordable experiences, from pristine beaches to misty mountains, and reaffirmed India’s commitment to investing in hotels, restaurants, and recreation facilities to strengthen Sri Lanka’s tourism infrastructure.