Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasingha has clarified a recent statement made by Minister Vijitha Herath, who claimed that Sri Lanka earned USD 3.7 billion from tourist arrivals since 1st of January 2025.
Ranasingha stated that, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), tourism earnings as of the end of June stood at USD 1.7 billion.
He pointed out that data for July has not yet been included and expressed doubt that such a large sum could have been earned in a single month.
“According to the CBSL report, the accurate figure up to June is USD 1.7 billion. There is a notable discrepancy between that and the Minister’s statement,” Ranasingha said.
He emphasized the importance of relying on official data and noted that it is unlikely July alone would have generated an additional USD 2 billion in tourism revenue.
Minister Herath had made the initial claim during an event in Nuwara Eliya, stating that USD 3.7 billion had already been earned, with another USD 3.7 billion expected by year’s end.
Herath also reiterated the government’s goal of attracting three million tourists in 2025 and said progress toward that target is on track.
