Tourism revenue figures disputed as Minister’s claim contradicts CBSL data

Colombo, August 4 (Daily Mirror) - A mismatch between official statistics and government statements has sparked controversy over Sri Lanka’s reported tourism revenue for 2025.

Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, speaking at the inauguration of a new meditation hall at the Seetha Amman Temple in Nuwara Eliya, claimed the country had earned USD 3.7 billion from tourism in the first six months of the year. He further stated that a similar figure is expected in the second half of 2025.

However, figures released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka tell a different story. According to its latest report, tourism earnings for January to June 2025 amounted to USD 1.71 billion — a 10% increase from USD 1.56 billion recorded during the same period last year, but less than half the amount cited by the Minister.

The nearly USD 2 billion discrepancy has raised concerns about the accuracy of the Minister’s statement, prompting speculation over whether projected earnings or other sources were mistakenly presented as actual revenue.

Meanwhile, the government has ramped up efforts to boost religious and cultural tourism. During the event, Minister Herath also revealed plans to allocate additional land for temple-based tourism projects, particularly at heritage sites like the Seetha Eliya temple, which attracts thousands of Indian tourists annually.