Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, has called on Sri Lanka to seize the opportunity to attract a share of the Indian wedding industry, a booming sector valued at over $130 billion. With approximately 4.8 million weddings expected across India in the near future, Jha believes Sri Lanka’s picturesque locations offer a unique and ideal setting for hosting these events, which could significantly boost the island nation’s economy.
In his remarks, Jha emphasized that tourism can play a pivotal role in strengthening the cultural and economic bonds between India and Sri Lanka. He pointed out that in 2023, about 20% of all tourists to Sri Lanka were from India, a number that is expected to rise as diplomatic and cultural ties between the two nations continue to grow. This influx has already made a meaningful impact on Sri Lanka’s economy, sustaining around 200,000 direct jobs and 300,000 indirect jobs within the tourism sector.
Beyond wedding tourism, Jha highlighted other opportunities for collaboration, particularly in the realms of Buddhist pilgrimage and the Ramayana trail. These areas attract significant numbers of Indian tourists, and Jha suggested that Sri Lanka could further capitalize on this potential by expanding specific tourist routes tied to religious and cultural heritage.
Additionally, Jha proposed the expansion of Jaffna’s Palali Airport, which could serve as a convenient gateway for tourists from India and beyond, enabling smoother travel for visitors transitioning between the two countries.
The High Commissioner also stressed the importance of infrastructure development and digital investments in Sri Lanka’s future growth. By enhancing digital infrastructure and strategically promoting the island as a top destination for Indian tourists, Sri Lanka can increase its competitiveness in the regional tourism market and further strengthen its position as a leading travel destination in South Asia.
