Politicians oppose LGBTIQ tourism, urges president to halt project

• Former Health Minister Dr. Channa Jayasumana urged the government to instead expand wellness tourism, traditional medicine, eco-tourism, heritage and spiritual travel, which he said align better with global trends and local culture
• MP Namal Rajapaksa also voiced strong opposition to the government’s decision 
• Dr. Jayasumana says the project “poses serious cultural, social and public-health risks that have not been properly considered
• Jaffna District MP Ramanathan Archchuna called on the President to suspend the project, citing cultural and public health concerns

Former Health Minister and medical professional Dr. Channa Jayasumana and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa have voiced strong opposition to the government’s decision to promote LGBTIQ-focused tourism and called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to immediately suspend the initiative warning it could undermine the country’s cultural values and strain public health systems.
In a letter to the President dated September 27, Dr. Jayasumana said that while he respects the dignity and orientation of all individuals, the project “poses serious cultural, social and public-health risks that have not been properly considered.”  
He argued that Sri Lanka’s identity—rooted in Buddhist principles and enriched by Hindu, Christian and Islamic traditions—should not be compromised for short-term economic gain. Tourism policy, he wrote, must reflect the nation’s cultural values and “avoid creating divisions within society.”  
Citing public-health concerns, Dr. Jayasumana pointed to a significant rise in HIV cases among youth aged 15–24 and warned that “associating tourism with sexuality could accelerate HIV transmission and place unsustainable pressure on Sri Lanka’s overstretched healthcare system.” He added that Sri Lanka’s international reputation, bolstered by its success in eliminating mother-to-child HIV and syphilis transmission, could be at risk.  
Dr. Jayasumana urged the government to instead expand wellness tourism, traditional medicine, eco-tourism, heritage and spiritual travel, which he said align better with global trends and local culture.  
Meanwhile, MP Namal Rajapaksa has also voiced strong opposition to the government’s decision to promote LGBTIQ-focused tourism, saying the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage are more than sufficient to attract visitors without highlighting issues of gender identity or sexual orientation.  
“We should not base our tourism promotion on issues of gender identity or sexual orientation. Our rich and authentic heritage is more than enough to attract visitors from around the world irrespective of their gender preferences,” Rajapaksa said.  
He urged the government to reconsider the initiative and to “approach such sensitive matters with greater responsibility,” stressing that Sri Lanka has long been a popular destination because of its scenery, culture and traditions.   
“We don’t need to focus on gender identity to draw in visitors,” he added.  
Jaffna District MP Ramanathan Archchuna also called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to suspend the project, citing cultural and public health concerns.  
The controversy arose after Sri Lanka Tourism officially endorsed a project by rights organization EQUAL GROUND to promote and develop LGBTIQ tourism. In a letter to EQUAL GROUND Executive Director Rosanna Flamer-Caldera Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam praised the initiative as a way to “diversify our tourism markets and position Sri Lanka as a safe, inclusive and welcoming destination for all travellers.