Tourism in Sri Lanka

T
he government initiatives in development of tourism date back to 1937 when the Ceylon Tourist Bureau
was established. However, it was closed down in September 1939 due to World War II. After Sri
Lanka's independence the promotion of tourism was again considered by re-establishing the Ceylon
Tourist Board which took over the function of the Tourist Bureau. More formal recognition for the
country's tourism sector was given with the enactment of Act No. 10 of 1966. This provided the legislation for the
establishment of Ceylon Tourist Board. Since then the Ceylon Tourist Board has functioned as the state agency,
responsible for development and promotion of the tourism sector in Sri Lanka.
In October 2007 according to Section 2 of the Tourism Act No. 38 of 2005, the Sri Lanka Tourist Board (Act No 10
of 1966) was replaced by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).
Currently Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority has classified Sri Lanka into several resort regions suitable for
tourism development.
 Colombo and Greater Colombo Resort Region :
The Colombo and Greater Colombo Resort Region
spreads along the Mount Lavinia in the south
to Negombo in the north. Colombo city is the main part of the
zone, and is the center for business activities, conferences and
sport events in the country. Colombo serves as both a
gateway and stopover point for international tourists.
 South Coast Resort Region: The south coast zone
extends from Wadduwa to Tissamaharama. The zone has been
divided into two main regions. The first region extends from
Wadduwa to Galle. Coastal areas like Kalutara, Beruwala, Bentota, Dedduwa, Madu
Ganga, Balapitiya, Ahungalla, and Hikkaduwa are included in this region. The second region, extending from
Galle to Tissamaharama,
includes Unawatuna, Koggala, Weligama, Mirissa, Matara, Tangalle and Hambantota areas as sub-points of
the zone.

 East Coast Resort Region: The East Coast Resort Region extends from Kuchchaveli in the north
to Pottuvil in the south. The main tourism zones in this region are Arugam
Bay, Pasikudah, Trincomalee and Nilaveli.

 West Coast Resort Region: The West Coast Resort Region extends along Kalpitiya, Marawila and Waikkala
areas.

 High Country Resort Region: Nuwara Eliya, Bandarawela and Maskeliya are included for the High Country
Resort Region.

 Ancient Cities Resort Region: This region has five world heritage sites,
namely Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Kandy, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya. Other regions
include Habarana, Giritale, Matale and Victoria.

 Other Resort Regions: This includes Yala, Udawalawa, Wasgamuwa, Pinnawala, and Ratnapura area.