Sri Lanka officially launched its Marine Tourism Roadmap in Colombo, led by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Developed through extensive research and stakeholder consultations, the roadmap focuses on balancing conservation with economic development by promoting eco-friendly activities like diving, snorkelling, shipwreck diving, and marine wildlife watching.

It identifies two key zones: established marine tourism hubs from Kalpitiya to Trincomalee and emerging areas like Mannar and Jaffna. 

With an ocean territory seven times larger than its landmass, Sri Lanka sees vast potential in marine tourism growth.

The launch, attended by tourism officials and ADB representatives, emphasized government support and highlighted plans for sustainable infrastructure and job creation. 

The roadmap aims to position Sri Lanka as a world-class marine tourism destination while protecting its rich marine ecosystems.