New milestone for Sri Lanka tourism: 250 Japanese tourists arrive
01-Sep-2026.
Marking an important milestone in Sri Lanka's tourism sector, a group of 250 Japanese tourists comprising businessmen, investors and professionals has arrived in the country.
Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janith Ruwan Kodithuwakku and Ministry Secretary W.W.S. Mangala were also present on the occasion.
The tourists will remain in Sri Lanka until September 4 and are scheduled to visit several historically significant sites, including Sigiriya and Anuradhapura.
Japan is an important tourism market for Sri Lanka. Increasing the number of tourists arriving from Japan will not only boost the country's tourism revenue but also help strengthen Sri Lanka's image in the international tourism market.
The arrival of the group also represents a positive development in the Government's ongoing efforts to promote the tourism sector and will further strengthen the friendly relations between the two countries.
Arrangements to bring the tourists to Sri Lanka were made by Colombo International Airport Hotel. The group has arrived under the company's "Little Japan" cultural exchange programme, the main objective of which is to showcase Sri Lanka's heritage and attractions to Japanese visitors.
Steps are being taken to continue bringing Japanese tourist groups to the country through the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Minister Janith Ruwan Kodithuwakku said:
"The Japanese Government currently maintains very strong relations with the Government of Sri Lanka. At a time when the Japanese Government has come forward to resume construction work on the airport's second terminal, which had been temporarily suspended, an increase in the arrival of tourists of this nature is extremely important to Sri Lanka's economy."
Meanwhile, Chairman of Colombo International Airport Hotel, Dr Ruwan Perera, said:
"The private sector is extending its fullest cooperation to the Government's programme of earning foreign exchange through tourism. This cultural exchange will serve as a genuine bridge connecting the two countries for trade and investment."
