Former Health Minister and medical professional Dr. Channa Jayasumana has written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, urging the immediate suspension of a Sri Lanka Tourism initiative promoting LGBTIQ tourism.
In his letter dated 27th of September , Dr. Jayasumana stated that while he respects the dignity and orientation of all individuals, the project presents significant cultural, social, and public health risks that have not been adequately considered.
He emphasized that Sri Lanka’s identity, rooted in Buddhist principles of discipline, compassion, and moral restraint, and enriched by Hindu, Christian, and Islamic traditions, should not be compromised for short-term economic gain. Tourism policies, he argued, must reflect the nation’s cultural values and avoid creating societal divisions.
Pointing to public health concerns, Dr. Jayasumana highlighted a sharp increase in HIV cases among youth, particularly in the 15–24 age group, and warned that linking tourism with sexuality could accelerate HIV transmission and strain Sri Lanka’s already overstretched healthcare system, which is coping with high rates of non-communicable diseases and limited mental health services.
He also cautioned that the country’s international reputation, strengthened by achievements such as the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, could be undermined if poorly regulated tourism initiatives trigger new outbreaks.
Dr. Jayasumana urged the President to halt the LGBTIQ tourism project and instead focus on promoting sectors such as wellness tourism, traditional medicine, eco-tourism, heritage, and spirituality, which he said better align with global trends and Sri Lanka’s cultural values.
