The government has decided to establish an operations committee comprising officials from both the public and private sectors to take swift measures to promote sports tourism in Sri Lanka.
Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath issued the directive 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 sports federations.
The discussion focused on attracting international visitors by hosting and promoting national and international sports events in Sri Lanka, including cricket, rugby, and football tournaments. The committee also identified opportunities to draw large numbers of athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators who already visit Sri Lanka annually for a wide range of events.
Officials noted Sri Lanka’s growing popularity for activities such as white-water rafting, surfing, mountaineering, cycling, and marathons, many of which are organized across different regions of the country.
According to the review, around 40 cricket matches are scheduled for the first four months of next year, alongside numerous other sporting events.
However, participants highlighted that sports events are not yet fully leveraged to attract tourists. As a result, the formation of the new operations committee aims to link sporting events with broader tourism promotion.
Minister Herath said the government recognizes sports tourism as a key sector within Sri Lanka’s overall tourism strategy. He added that the new committee will help understand the unique characteristics and potential of the industry to guide future development initiatives.
The committee will also explore strategies to connect the sports and tourism sectors, enhance international promotion, improve infrastructure, and provide necessary guidance and planning to make Sri Lanka a leading sports tourism destination.
Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe and Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage also attended the meeting. (Newswire)