It is an ancient belief that Adam was the first human on Earth and that he was sent down by God after disobeying His command. Though Adam repented and asked for forgiveness, some believe that God intended for him to begin humanity on Earth. While Adam was saddened to leave Paradise, God chose a place that resembled Heaven more closely than any other — a place He called “Heaven on Earth.”
According to ancient tales, that place was Sri Lanka. It is believed that Adam’s first footstep on Earth was in “Serendib,” the name by which Sri Lanka was known in ancient times. Many Arabian legends recount this story, and even today, it is a widespread belief that Adam descended upon this island. For Sri Lankans, this belief is a source of pride — for if God Himself saw Sri Lanka as Heaven’s reflection, it must truly be a blessed land.
Sri Lanka has long been known as the “Jewel of the Indian Ocean” — a teardrop-shaped paradise rich in beauty and diversity. From golden beaches and tranquil lakes to lush mountains and cool hill country, the island offers a range of climates and landscapes rarely found elsewhere. Beyond its natural splendor, Sri Lankans are celebrated for their warmth and hospitality, which add to the island’s allure as a travel destination.
Yet despite this, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has not reached its full potential. The country attracts an average of just about two million tourists a year. In 2024, Sri Lanka targeted 2.3 million visitors but reached only 2.05 million. This year’s goal of 3 million arrivals has already been revised downward, and current figures suggest that even the revised target may not be achieved.
So, when even divine legend describes Sri Lanka as a likeness of Heaven, why are we still lagging behind? One reason is our lack of strong, well-tailored promotional campaigns. As a senior diplomat recently pointed out, every market needs a customized approach. In the Middle East, for instance, Sri Lanka can tell a completely different story than it would in Europe or the West.
Even beyond marketing, the visitor experience itself often falls short. The Bandaranaike International Airport remains overcrowded and disorganized, with limited shopping and poor facilities — hardly the “first impression” a tourist should have of a paradise island. Despite years of promises, plans to modernize BIA have seen little progress, while other airports like Mattala and Jaffna remain underutilized.
Colombo, the capital city, too, lacks appeal for travelers. Its shopping options are limited, and public transportation is underdeveloped. The city’s lakes and canals, which could be transformed into scenic tourist attractions, remain polluted and neglected. A well-planned cleanup and the introduction of romantic boat rides or evening cruises could instantly elevate the city’s charm.
Sri Lanka’s geography also offers untapped potential for cruise tourism. Seven-night coastal cruise tours could easily attract high-value travelers, yet proposals to develop such initiatives have been repeatedly dismissed for bureaucratic reasons.
While challenges exist, the solutions are within reach. The tourism industry holds immense potential to transform Sri Lanka’s economy and global image — but it will require collective effort, creativity, and consistent action.
This is not a complaint but a call to unite. Tourism experts, policymakers, and citizens alike must come together to reimagine and relaunch Sri Lanka’s story — the story of the land where Adam first stepped, a land God once called Heaven on Earth.
