Controversial letter on alleged LGBTIQ tourism promotion withdrawn

• According to the new letter, SLTDA Chairman stated that the withdrawal was made to avoid any ambiguity or misinterpretation
• Petitioners have named Min. of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, SLTDA Chairman and several others as respondents

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda   

The Attorney General yesterday informed the Court of Appeal that a letter issued by the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), endorsing projects aimed at promoting and developing LGBTIQ tourism in Sri Lanka, has been withdrawn.   

The Attorney General made this disclosure when a writ petition challenging the legality of the alleged endorsement was taken up before the Court of Appeal.   

State Counsel appearing on behalf of the SLTDA informed the court that the impugned letter had been withdrawn by the SLTDA Chairman through a letter dated February 2, 2026. According to the new letter, SLTDA Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam stated that the withdrawal was made to avoid any ambiguity or misinterpretation regarding the mandate of the SLTDA and national tourism policy, and to safeguard the institution’s integrity. The Chairman reiterated that the previous letter was not intended to constitute a policy decision, promotional endorsement, or authorization of any programme or activity.   

Senior Counsel Canishka Witharana, appearing for the petitioners, informed the court that the petitioners were not satisfied with the withdrawal of the letter, as the authorities had not withdrawn their decision.   

Court of Appeal President Justice Rohantha Abeysuriya directed the Attorney General to inform the respondents’ position on the next date of calling, and the matter was fixed for March 4.   

The petition had been filed by Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekara, President and Convener of the Federation of National Organizations, Dr. Wasantha Bandara, Secretary of the Patriotic National Movement, and two others. They are seeking an order staying the operation of a letter allegedly issued by the Chairman of the SLTDA endorsing such initiatives.   

According to the petitioners, they had discovered a letter dated September 9, 2025, written by the Chairman of the SLTDA and the SLTPB, titled “Endorsement of the Project on Promoting and Developing LGBTIQ Tourism in Sri Lanka.” The letter is said to have formally recognized a proposal by the organization EQUAL GROUND to promote LGBTIQ-inclusive tourism and to have authorized coordination with other tourism sector entities to facilitate the project.   

The petitioners have named Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, SLTDA Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam, and several others as respondents.