Sri Lankan diplomat highlights tourism's role in deepening China-Sri Lanka ties

“Sri Lanka has been making efforts to introduce more attractive policies to further support tourism recovery, while placing particular emphasis on the Chinese market,” said Poornima Gunasekera, Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in China, in an interview with Guangming Online at a tourism promotion event in Beijing on Monday.

The event comes as China enters its peak summer outbound travel season and as Sri Lanka and China prepare to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.

(Photo provided by the Embassy of Sri Lanka shows Hiriketiya Beach on Sri Lanka's southern coast.)

Addressing tourism industry representatives and media, Gunasekera highlighted the island nation's diverse tourism offerings, including pristine beaches, wildlife safaris, cultural heritage sites, scenic mountains, tea plantations, wellness retreats, adventure sports and authentic local cuisine.

Sri Lanka's tourism sector has been experiencing a strong recovery and still holds significant growth potential, according to Gunasekera. The country welcomed more than 2 million international visitors in 2025.

(Photo provided by the Embassy of Sri Lanka shows the Nine Arch Bridge in Demodara, Sri Lanka)

Sri Lanka currently offers visa-free entry to nationals of several countries, including China. Under the program, Chinese citizens holding ordinary, official, service or diplomatic passports can obtain a tourist Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) free of charge for stays of up to 30 days.

Gunasekera also noted that growing direct air connectivity between the two countries continues to facilitate tourism exchanges.

Currently, SriLankan Airlines, Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines operate 23 direct flights per week between Sri Lanka and the Chinese mainland.

“The friendship between Sri Lanka and China extends far beyond the nearly 70 years of diplomatic relations,” she said. “More than 2,000 years ago, our two countries were already connected through trade, cultural exchanges and people-to-people interactions along the ancient Silk Road.”

Today, tourism serves as a new bridge that further strengthens these historical connections and brings the people of the two countries closer together, she added.

Looking ahead, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in China will continue to work closely with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau to deepen tourism exchanges and cooperation and encourage more Chinese visitors to experience the country's unique attractions.