Sri Lanka climate is tropical and consists of distinct wet and dry seasons.

The Yala monsoon brings

abundant rainfall to the countrys western and southern regions from May to September; the area
experiences its dry season during December through March. Altogether, the southwest receives around
4000mm of rainfall each year. The Maha monsoon affects northern and eastern Sri Lanka weather and
often lasts from October to January, with the dry season usually lasting from May to September. This
region receives approximately 1000mm of precipitation annually, significantly less than the other half
of the country. There is also an inter-monsoonal period in October and November during which rain
and thunderstorms occur frequently across the island.
Generally speaking, upland areas of Sri Lanka are cooler and more temperate, with a yearly average
around 16-20C (60-68F), and coastal areas are warmer with average temperatures around 27C
(80F). The March-June season experiences slightly higher temperatures (up to 33C / 92F), while
the temperatures in November-January are a few degrees lower (around 24C / 75F at the coast). Sri
Lanka weather along the shores is made more comfortable by cooling sea breezes. The surrounding
sea remains rather constant at roughly 27C (80F) year-round. Humidity is typically rather high in Sri
Lanka, averaging out at around 80% year-round.
As the nation is located in the tropics, Sri Lanka weather can be severely affected by an El Nio.
Though this irregular climate change only occurs around every three to seven years, the areas
weather can be altered for an extended time in effect. In the presence of a strong El Nio, expect a
chance of drought conditions during the March-August months and possible flooding SeptemberNovember. Floods regularly hit Sri Lanka, particularly in the southwestern region, so it may be wise to
avoid the area during the wet season.
Sri Lanka climate can be at its most enjoyable in the drier seasons; the best time to travel to the
west, south and upland areas of the island is during December to March, while the recommended
travel season for the east coast region is April to September.
The most popular season for tourism is between December and March, when the country attracts
Europeans fleeing the Northern Hemispheres winter weather. Christmas and the New Year are
particularly popular for a Sri Lankan holiday, while July and August represent festival season on the
island if travelling during either time it is recommended to book well in advance to guarantee
accommodation.
The island is certainly a year-round destination as there is usually one region of the country
experiencing good weather, while others are hit by poorer conditions. The diverse topography of Sri
Lanka allows for balmy beach holidays on the east coast from April to November, while the west is
ideal for hitting the beach from December to March. However, be aware that Sri Lanka weather can be
unpredictable during any season.

Agro-ecological regions and livestock production

From the point of view of livestock production, the country is divided into four agro-ecological regions.

Up-Country and Mid-Country

Coconut Triangle

Low Country Wet Zone (Wet Lowland)

Dry Zone (Dry Lowland)

There zones reflect the effects of both altitude and precipitation. The common topographic and climatic
features, type of animals and husbandry practices in the major systems are given in Table 3.

Table 3. Cattle and Buffalo systems: topography, climate and animal husbandry

Zone

Elevation
(m)

Rainfall
(mm)

Temp.
Range 0C

Animal Types

Husbandry
Practices

Up country

>450

>2,000

10-32

Pure exotic and Zero grazing,

crosses; some
small herds;
zebu crosses
some tethering

Coconut
triangle

<450

1,5002,500

21-38

Crosses of
exotic breeds.
Zebu types,
Indigenous
animals and
crosses,
Buffaloes

Limited grazing,
tethered under
coconut palms
medium size
herds

Wet
lowlands

<450

1,8752,500

24-35

As above

Limited grazing,
medium size
herds

Dry
lowlands

<450

100-1,750

21-38

Indigenous
cattle, zebu
cattle and their
crosses,
Buffaloes

Free grazing,
large nomadic
herds, Sedentary
small herds in
irrigated
schemes.

Source: Ibrahim et al., 1999

Up-country: Tea Estate Dairy/ Market Vegetable System

This zone is characterized by tea plantations and dairy production from cattle kept in two systems, the
estate- and village-based system (the system can also be found in mid-country tea lands).The zone
has few buffalo. The mean herd size is 3 - 4 with an average of one lactating cow. Many employees of
the tea estates have dairy cattle, mainly European breeds, Friesian, Jersey and Ayrshire and their
crosses (Ibrahim, 2000) which are kept in sheds beside workers quarters. There is extensive use of
artificial insemination. In the village-based system most smallholders are crop-livestock farmers,
growing vegetables and paddy. Manure is a major product of their cattle, with milk often a secondary
source of income (Zemmelink et al., 1999).
Feed resources are generally constraining with producers dependent on cutting from small plots of
steep pasture above the tea land, in gullies or valleys or on scavenging Gliricidia, Erythrina, etc. from
plantations (Premaratne et al., 1997,1998; Stewart et al., 1998). Fodder supplies are seasonal as are
concentrate prices and there is very little or no grazing. Milk marketing systems are well developed
and are assisted by the concentration of estate workers into villages, with usually twice a day milk
collection. Multiple milk collection and processing organizations operate in the area.
Manure is an important output of the system and is marketed through private entrepreneurs who
collect directly from farms and sell to market gardeners in the Nuwara-eliya area. There is very little
room for expansion of production in these areas due to feed and land constraints. Allocation of unused
tea lands for fodder could increase the animal production in this area.
Mid-Country: Kandyan Forest Garden System
The mid-country zone has the highest (75%) proportion of dairy cattle, mainly Jersey, Ayrshire and
Friesian crosses, and the highest proportion of purebreds (25%). Artificial insemination is widespread
and increasing. The zone is characterized by medium-intensity dairy production. but also has some
zebu cattle and local buffaloes (Ibrahim, 2000). Average milk yields are about 6 litres/cow/day or
around 1,500 litres/cow/lactation. Farms combine a homestead tree garden system with rice
production in the low-lying land, generally cultivated by buffalo. Farm or landholding size averages 1.6
hectares, encouraging the adoption of more intensive feeding. There is an increasing dependence on
off-farm fodder and on bought concentrates which are influenced by the level of household income
(Zemmelink et al., 1999).
Feed resources are not a severe constraint overall, although they can be seasonally. Cattle are often
grazed - tethered on paddy land or bunds (Premaratne, 1993b; Premaratne and Sivaram, 1995;
Premaratne, 1996 and 2000). Concentrates, mainly poonac (copra cake) and rice bran, are used.
Manure is used on paddy or other crops or sold. A number of dairy co-operatives are well established
and are providing services such as concentrate feed on credit, and in some cases AI and extension, as
well as loans. In this zone the immediate constraint to increased milk production may be the inefficient
feeding of dairy cattle. Access to livestock extension is poor and is a constraint to greater productivity.
Access to AI and health services is generally good but variable, constrained in some areas by terrain,
infrastructure and distances.

Botanical gardern
At one time these beautiful botanical gardens were reserved exclusively for Kandyan royalty. Today
even commoners are allowed into what are, at 60 hectares, the largest and most impressive botanic
gardens in Sri Lanka.

The many highlights include a fine collection of orchids and a stately avenue of royal palms. Another
big hit is the giant Javan fig tree on the great lawn. Covering 2500 sq metres, its like a giant, living
geodesic dome.
On weekends and holidays the gardens are packed with romantically inclined local tourists, and it
can be hard to move without tripping over yet another canoodling young couple.
If food is more a priority than love, youll find an overpriced cafeteria (mains Rs 550 to Rs 1000)
about 500m north of the entrance, serving Western and Sri Lankan food on a roofed verandah. A
better option is to stock up on picnic items. Just keep a close eye on the insistent posse of local
dogs.
Bus 644 (Rs 15) from Kandys clock-tower bus stop goes to the gardens. A three-wheeler from
Kandy is around Rs 700 return; a van is around Rs 1500. Many taxi drivers incorporate a visit to the
gardens with the Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage or the Kandy temple loop.

ri Lanka Weather Conditions

Anuradhapura

93
Badulla

73
Batticaloa

90
Beruwala

85
Chavakachcheri

91

Colombo

84
Dalugama

84
Dambulla

85
Dehiwala

85
Galle

82
Homagama

85
Jaffna

83
Kalmunai

93
Kandy

83

Kurunegala

88
Moratuwa

85
Negombo

84
Ratnapura

85
Sri Jayewardenepura-Kotte

84
Trincomalee

98

more Sri Lanka Weather Forecasts

weather

Kandy & the Tea Country

Kandy sits at a far lower altitude than the 'Tea Country' and because of this can expect to enjoy higher temperatures
and lower rainfall than in the hills to the south. Your journey from Kandy to the Cultural Triangle climbs an elevation
of 700 metres, so you feel a drop in temperature as you climb. The weather in the Tea Country is influenced by both
monsoons, the result of which is a climate somewhat reminiscent of a Scottish autumn for much of the year. Sitting at
nearly 2,000 metres above sea level, the region is much cooler than elsewhere in Sri Lanka.

AVERAGE MONTHLY WEATHER IN KANDY, SRI LANKA

What's the best time to travel to Kandy in Sri Lanka? Here are some annual
weather facts we collected from our historical weather data:

The months January, February, March, April and May have nice weather with a
good average temperature.

Most rainfall (rainy season) is seen in January, April, May, June, July, August,
September, October, November and December.

On average, the warmest month is April.

On average, the coolest month is August.

October is the wettest month. This month should be avoided if you don't like too
much rain.

March is the driest month.

For more information, see the weather forecast and our average climate infomation (in
graphs) below.
* Data from nearest weather station: Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka (20.2 KM).

AVERAGE MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OVER THE

YEAR
The monthly mean minimum and maximum daily temperature. Show in Fahrenheit

AVERAGE MONTHLY WEATHER IN KANDY, SRI LANKA

What's the best time to travel to Kandy in Sri Lanka? Here are some annual
weather facts we collected from our historical weather data:

The months January, February, March, April and May have nice weather with a
good average temperature.

Most rainfall (rainy season) is seen in January, April, May, June, July, August,
September, October, November and December.

On average, the warmest month is April.

On average, the coolest month is August.

October is the wettest month. This month should be avoided if you don't like too
much rain.

March is the driest month.

For more information, see the weather forecast and our average climate infomation (in
graphs) below.
* Data from nearest weather station: Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka (20.2 KM).

ontemporary Kandy[edit]
It is the second-largest city of the island and the capital of Central Province of modern Sri Lanka. Its
geographic location has made it a major transportation hub in the island: while Kandy being the
gateway to the Central Highlands[4] of Sri Lanka, the city can be reached by major motorways in
every direction of the island. The railway line from Colombo, the sea port on the western coast runs
via Kandy to the farthest point of Badulla[5] in the Central Highlands. The main roads Colombo-Kandy
and Kandy-Nuwara Eliya[6] are two of the most scenic roads of Sri Lanka; Colombo-Kandy[7] road
passes through rubber plantations and rice paddies, Kandy-Nuwara Eliya road cuts through paddy
fields and seamless tea plantations. Both roads claw their way up winding, rounding over the rings of
hills. Currently feasibility studies are afoot for another highway between Colombo and Kandy via
Kadawata and the scenic city of Katugastota.

Geography and climate[edit]

Main articles: Geography of Kandy and Geography of Sri Lanka

Kandyan terrain

Topography[edit]
Kandy is located in the mountainous and thickly forested interior of the island. The city is located in
between multiple mountain ranges including the Knuckles mountain range and the Hanthana
Mountain Range, giving the city an elevation of 500 metres (1,600 ft) above sea level. It lies adjacent
to the artificial Kandy Lake and south of Udawatta Kele Sanctuary.Today udawatte kele is reducing
its area.

Climate[edit]

[hide]Climate data for Kandy

Month

Average high C (F)

Daily mean C (F)

Average low C (F)

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

27

28

30

30

29

28

27

28

(81)

(82)

(86)

(86)

(84)

(82)

(81)

(82)

23.1

24.1

25.4

25.9

25.6

24.8

24.3

24.4

(73.6)

(75.4)

(77.7)

(78.6)

(78.1)

(76.6)

(75.7)

(75.9)

18

18

18

20

20

20

20

19

(64)

(64)

(64)

(68)

(68)

(68)

(68)

(66)

79

74

71

188

144

132

128

113

(3.11)

(2.91)

(2.8)

(7.4)

(5.67)

(5.2)

(5.04)

(4.45)

Average rainy days

14

11

15

14

13

Mean daily sunshine hours

Average precipitation mm (inches)

Source #1: Weather2Travel for highs, lows and sunshine,[12] Climate-Data.org for daily mean temperatu

Source #2: World Climate Guide,[13] HolidayCheck.com,[14] World Climate[15]

In Kppen-Geiger climate classification system, its climate is tropical rainforest (Af).[8] With Kandy
located in the centre of the island and in a high elevation, the city has a relatively wetter and cooler
temperatures than that of the tropical climate of therest of the country, especially the coastal
regions. Nuwara Eliya is south to it and has a cooler climate due to its higher elevation. The city has
its dry season from January through to April.[9] From May through to July and October to December
the region experiences its monsoon season, during this time the weather is rough and unstable. The
island being in the northern hemisphere gives Kandy it coldest month in January and its hottest in
July. From March through the middle of May is the intermonsoonal period, during this time there is
light rain and strong humidity.[10] The humidity is generally between 70% to 79%.[11]

Cityscape[edit]

Sketch of the town of Kandy and surrounding country for about three miles, in the year of 1815.

The city of Kandy lies at an elevation of 465 metres (1,526 ft) above sea level. Its plan developed
around two open spaces: an elongated square, at the end of which are the administration buildings
of the old capital, and an artificial lake that is quadrangular in form. A public garden adds to the
openness of the city's spatial organization.
Kandy has now grown out to encompass Peradeniya, home to the University of Peradeniya and the
Botanical Gardens, Katugastota to the north, and east
to Kundasale, Tennekumbura and Gurudeniya.

Aerial view of Kandy city.

Neighbourhoods[edit]

Downtown Kandy

Ampitiya

Ampitiya North

Ampitiya South

Anniwatta

Aruppola East

Asgiriya

Bahirawakanda

Bogambara

Bogodawatta

Bowala

Buwelikada

Dangolla

Deiyannewelle

Etamoragodawatta Colony

Gannoruwa West

Getambe

Heenagama

Katugastota

Katukele

Kosgaspitiya

Kotugodella

Lewella

Madawala

Mahaiyawa

Malwatta

Mapanawatura

Mavilmada

Menikkumbara

Mulgampola

Navayalatenna

Nittawela

Nuwara Dondawala

Peradeniya

Polgolla

Siyabalapitiya

Siyambalagastenna

Suduhumpola East

Suduhumpola West

Talwatta

Udamadapola

Watapuluwa

Wattarantenna

Wewelpitiya

Yatiwawala

Wards[edit]
Kandy has 24 wards:[16][17]

Government[edit]
Kandy Municipal Council

Type

Type

Local authority

Leadership
Mayor

Mahindra Ratwatte
Since 8 October 2011

Deputy Mayor

Sena Dissanayake
Since 8 October 2011

Municipal

Chandana Tennakoon

Commissioner

Seats

24

Elections
Voting system

open list proportional representation

system

Last election

Sri Lankan local government

elections, 2011

Website

http://www.kandywhc.org/

Main article: Kandy Municipal Council

Kandy is a charter city, with a Mayor Council form of government. The Mayor of Kandy and the
councillors are elected through local government elections held once in five years. Head of
administration is the Municipal Commissioner, who handles day-to-day operations of the 16
departments that it is made up of.
The Kandy Municipal Council governs the City of Kandy, it was established under the Municipalities
Ordinance of 1865. The inaugural meeting had been held on 20 March 1866. The Kandy Town
Hall was established in the present premises known as theDunuwille Walawwe in 1870.[18]

The Government Agent of the Central Province had presided over the council until 1939 when the
Mayor was elected. The first elected mayor was Sir Cuda Ratwatte. With further amendments to the
ordinance in 1978 the Mayor became the Executive Head whilst the Commissioner was the
Administrative head.
Presently the Council consists of 24 members. The Governing Party, United National Party has 14
and the opposition 10. The Council meets once a month to review the progress and decide on the
implementation of its projects. Five standing committees of the Council, namely Finance, Law,
Works, Sports and Welfare Services (Pre-Schools, Library), also meet monthly to evaluate and
recommend to Council relative matters for approval.

Demographics[edit]
Main articles: Demographics of Kandy and Demographics of Sri Lanka
Kandy is a Sinhala majority city; there are sizable communities belonging to other ethnic groups,
such as Moors and Tamils. The city remains an important religious centre of the Sinhalese and a
place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, namely those belonging to theTheravada school. The Catholic
Church has a diocese headquartered in the city.

Census of Population (2012)[edit]

Ethnicity in Kandy (2012)
Perce
nt

Population

Sinhalese

74.55%

Sri Lankan
Moors

10.90%

Sri Lankan
Tamils

9.59%

Indian Tamils

3.53%

Others

1.43%

%
Ethnicity

Populati

Of

on

Tot
al

74.5

Sinhala

118,209

Sri Lankan Moors

17,282

Sri Lankan Tamils

15,203

9.59

Indian Tamils

5,601

3.53

2,269

1.43

158,564

100

10.9
0

Other
(including Burgher, M
alay)

Total

Source:statistics.gov.lk

Population by Ethnicity according to Urban Area (2007)[edit]

Ethnicity in Kandy (2007)
Perce
nt

Population

Sinhalese

70.48%

Sri Lankan
Moors

13.93%

Sri Lankan
Tamils

8.57%

Indian Tamils

4.77%

Others

2.26%

Ethnicity

Populati

Of
on

Tot
al

70.4

Sinhala

77,560

Sri Lankan Moors

15,326

Sri Lankan Tamils

9,427

8.57

Indian Tamils

5,245

4.77

2,489

2.26

110,049

100

13.9
3

Other
(including Burgher, M
alay)

Total

Source:statistics.gov.lk

Economy[edit]
Kandy is second only to Colombo as the center of the Sri Lankan economy. It is the second-largest
city of the island and the capital of Central Province of Sri Lanka. Many major corporations have
large branch offices in Kandy and many industries include textiles, furniture, information technology
and jewellery are found there. Many agriculture research centers are located throughout the city.
Kandy City Centre is a large shopping centre located in the heart of Kandy. It houses famous
international brand outlets such as Apple Inc. Futureworld, Philips, Reebok, Triumph
International, Adidas as well as famous Asian and Sri Lankan brand sh

Jan

Average high C (F)

Daily mean C (F)

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

27

28

30

30

29

28

27

28

(81)

(82)

(86)

(86)

(84)

(82)

(81)

(82)

23.1

24.1

25.4

25.9

25.6

24.8

24.3

24.4

(73.6)

(75.4)

(77.7)

(78.6)

(78.1)

(76.6)

(75.7)

(75.9)

18

18

18

20

20

20

20

19

(64)

(64)

(64)

(68)

(68)

(68)

(68)

(66)

79

74

71

188

144

132

128

113

(3.11)

(2.91)

(2.8)

(7.4)

(5.67)

(5.2)

(5.04)

(4.45)

Average rainy days

14

11

15

14

13

Mean daily sunshine hours

Average low C (F)

Average precipitation mm (inches)

Source #1: Weather2Travel for highs, lows and sunshine,[12] Climate-Data.org for daily mean temperatu

World tourism market

In August are the Esala festivals in Kandy and Kataragama. The Kataragama Esala Festival is a
multi-religious festival where devotes use fire walking and extreme self-penance to shows their
piety to Lord Kataragama. The Kandy Esala Perahera or the Dalanda Perahera is the largest
cultural parade in the world and showcases the best of Sri Lankan dancing and music and the
best of the domesticated tuskers in the country.

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31
December

Sri Lanka Tourism Strategy 2016

Published inFeatures

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The tourism industry of Sri Lanka is poised for growth to achieve sustainable development phase
within the next few years, based on the strategic direction determined by the new government.Sri
Lanka Tourism has formulated a broad Strategic Marketing Plan for year 2016, with the participation
of private and public sector stakeholders addressing long standing needs of the industry and the
future expectations of the country as a tourism destination. The new strategy was refined for its
contents to maximise the benefits to the tourism industry and to position Sri Lanka as the most
sought after travel destination in Asia.

During year 2015 up to November , Sri Lanka Tourism

recorded 18.1% growth on arrivals with 1.5 million arrivals. The total tourism revenue generated was
US$2.2 billion. At this backdrop, the tourism promotional plan of year 2016 is formulated based on
five key strategic objectives. Attracting a target number of 2.2 million visitors with 26% annual
growth, increasing average daily expenditure of a tourist up to US$ 200 and average stay,
contributing to generate a total tourism revenue up to US$ 2.75 billion will be the key performance
measures. Uplifting Sri Lankas brand value up to US$ 80 million through tactical marketing

campaigns focusing on main product offerings of the county will serve as the overall goal of the
promotional strategy devised for 2016.

The core destination promotional tools will be enhanced such as advertising and PR to implement a
global advertising campaign and global PR initiative to stay ahead of the major competitors to Sri
Lanka. The advertising campaign will be implemented in line with the Nation Branding Campaign
initiated by the government of Sri Lanka thus by choosing leading service providers following the
government procurement guidelines. Tourism promotional strategy 2016 has addressed the long
standing need of appointing PR agencies for key markets especially in Europe, East Asia, Benelux
and emerging markets. Sri Lanka Tourism wish to appoint PR agencies for major source markets in
order to achieve country promotional objectives and aggressively promote the country enhancing
tourism brand in the world.

The strategic choice for country promotions has been constantly challenged by the global trend
towards internet/online based destination marketing in the recent years. Most of the traditional
marketing tools have been outdated with the introduction of web based booking engines, tour
planning, e-marketing and other real time services available to frequent travelers online. Considering
these developments, Sri Lanka Tourism has opted to implement a fully-fledged online and digital
marketing campaign for year 2016. The campaign will create language specific web sites for all main
markets and will promote the destination on focused online and social media platforms identified in
each country. Special prominence has been given to attract travel bloggers with high reputation who
will act as brand ambassadors generating credibility providing first-hand publicity for Sri Lanka based
on experience gathered by visiting the country.

The trade familiarization tours and media familiarization tours will continue to be a major component
of year 2016 marketing plan. Overall 300 travel agents and 200 travel media will be facilitated from
the countries around the world under the familiarization tours hosted by Sri Lanka Tourism.
Familiarization tours will attract prominent print and electronic media to Sri Lanka to produce and
generate articles on the destination and its tourism products.

The traditional promotional activities such as participating for travel fairs, conducting roadshows and
outdoor promotions will also be carried out in each country. However this will be focused and
implemented based on the need analysis. For year 2016 SLTPB will participate at 46 travel fairs and
road shows in 20 key countries in order to develop the product brand and generate sales by B2B
agent interactions.

While there is an uncertainty of Sri Lankan Airlines continuing to operate in Europe and several other
destinations of choice, Sri Lanka Tourism hope to enter into strategic partnerships with new and
existing Airlines connecting the regions capitalising on the Open Sky policy of the government of
Sri Lanka. It is planned to develop strategic partnerships with all existing key airlines and work with
new airlines like Austrian Air and Malindu Air and Air China who will have new operations to Sri
Lanka. The tourism strategy has allocated budgets for working with airlines and strategic
partnerships along with attracting charter flights.

Positioning Sri Lanka as a venue for international

and domestic events will be a key component of the 2016 marketing strategy. Sri Lanka Tourism
hope to stage internationally acclaimed tourism related events in Sri Lanka during next year such as
Arugam Bay Pro- Surf, Kiteathelon, Adventure Tourism events etc. In the meantime more than 25
cultural /religious events and arts and entertainment events that has direct impact for tourism
development will be conducted by Sri Lanka Tourism . The activities will be strengthened by
increased monetary contribution in year 2016.

On the other hand , steps will be taken to improve the quality of tourism products by investing on the
infrustructre developments. Tourism information centers will be strengthened for better serving the
travellers . Local media Campaigns , New product developments, niche segments developmemt,
working with provincial councils for domestic tourism development are part of the strategy formulated
for year 2016.

During the year 2016 Sri Lanka will host the largest ever French travel agents congress SNAV, by
attracting 600 travel agents from France to the country. The congress will provide huge exposure for
the destination in Europe, especially in French speaking countries. Sri Lanka Tourism hope to

promote the country as a destination for MICE travel and leisure travelers by proving its capasity to
host events of this capasity. Sri Lanka has also won the host country status for PATA 2017 which
provide similar exposure to the destination. The bidding process will continue to attract more
congresses, incentive travellers and events with the objective of making Sri Lanka the MICE hub of
Asia. The government of Sri Lanka has provided special consessions to MICE travel development
which is an encouraging factor to invest in this sector.

The new tourism strategic marketing plan of 2016 will focus on the long term result oriented
approach to develop tourism industry in Sri Lanka than serving short term goals.Supported by the
strong presence of the newly appointed Tourism Advisory Committee, Hon. Prime Minsiter, Board of
Directors ,Chairman, Hon.Tourism Minister & Deputy Minister and the Ministry Secretary, it is aimed
at laying the foundation for a far sighted tourism development strategy based on the industry inputs
garnered from decades of experience , analysing research findings and countrys competitive
position while being attuned to constant challenges faced by soci-political and cultural environment
in the world tourism landscape.

The Budget Proposal of 2016 has introduced a comprehensive policy framework for tourism
development.Under the guidence of Hon. Prime Minister several key initiatives have been proposed
such as setting up an Aquaculture park in Batticaloa, promote sale of gem and jewellery, encourage
MICE tourism by establishing necessary infrastructure, encourage spending by tourists, trasform and
upgrade touirst attraction sites and local tourism zones, encourage theme parks and removal of tax
for water sport equipments yachts etc & introduce hovercrafts and other water based sports for
tourists, tax holidays for investors and removal of TDL are key areas proposed. With the view of
improving operational efficiency and to facilitate investement a new organisation will be formd under
the name Agency for Development.Tourism branding plan, training and development for tourism
youth, registration of tourist hotels based on quality standards etc of the Budget Proposal 2016 , will
heavily contribute to sustainable tourism development strategy for Sri Lanaka.

As such Sri Lanka Tourism is confident that the new strategic direction will move the country forward
making it the most sought after travel destination in Asia while all stakeholders of the industry reap
its benefits. It is very clear that within the next few years to come, tourism industry will become a
sustainable sector in the Sri Lankan economy being the top GDP contributor within next few years.
Sri Lanka will adopt a concerted and coordinated approach linking private and public sector and all
stakeholders ,to assess policies that govern future industry development and provide knowledge to
guide successful and sustainable Travel & Tourism strategy for the country.
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Tourism Development in Sri Lanka until 2020

Section: Tourism

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Sri Lanka is experiencing new record

visitor numbers and tourist arrival targets until 2020 are ambitious, but nevertheless the tourism industry
focuses on eco-friendliness and "quality not quantity".
A total of 1.27 million visitors came to the island in 2013 an increase of an enormous 26.7 percent
compared to the previous year. With 85,470 arrivals, the number of travellers from Germany has
increased by almost 20 percent compared with 2012. That makes Germany the most important tourism
market after India and the UK. The average duration stay per visitor increased from 10 days in 2012 to 11
days in 2013.

An outlook to future development: The

strategic development plan of Sri Lanka Tourism strives for 1.5 million visitors in total (130,000 from
Germany) in 2014, 2.5 million in 2016 and 4 million in 2020. At the same time the tourism related
employment is supposed to increase from 125,000 in 2010 to 500,000 by 2016, tourism based industry
and services are to be expanded and the economic benefits of tourism shall be distributed to a larger
cross section of the society.

The enormous growth of the tourism

sector requires targeted investment in transport infrastructure; Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport
was opened in 2013 in the south of the island and new expressways have shortened the way to the
beach resorts of the west and the southwest. Several other road construction projects are in progress.
Just around the island's capital, Colombo, nearly 280 kilometers of new expressways are being built until
2020.
Furthermore, another focus of the growth trend in the tourism sector will be the sustainable increase and
modernization of accommodation all over the island. Many international chains are building new hotels in
Sri Lanka, among them Best Western, Hyatt, Mariott, Mvenpick, Sheraton und Shangri-La. But Sri
Lankans do not want growth at all costs: "We have a very strict environmental plan and we are strongly
encouraging eco-friendly hotels" says Bhashwara Senanka Gunarathna, Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism
Promotion Bureau.
350 hotels take part in a European Commission funded project called "Greening Sri Lanka Hotels"
targeted at enhancing the environmental performance of Sri Lankan hotels through improvement of
energy, water and waste management systems up to 20 percent in order to enhance the environmental
performance and increase the market acceptance of Sri Lankan hotels through promoting them as low
carbon foot print green hotels.

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