Diplomatic Desk:
A special ‘Media Networking Session’ was held in the capital to strengthen cooperation in the tourism sector between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and increase mutual communication. The event, organized at the ‘Kuakata’ hall of Le Méridien Dhaka on Sunday (April 5, 2026) afternoon, was organized by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. The event was presided over by Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dharmapala Weerakkody and SLTPB Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam and Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh President Mohammad Rafuzzaman were present as special guests. The speakers at the event highlighted the historical and cultural relations between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka as well as the huge potential in the tourism sector.
Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dharmapala Weerakkody said that there is an opportunity to further expand tourism cooperation between the two countries, which will further strengthen the economic development and people-to-people ties of both countries. He mentioned the role of the media as very important and said that the media can play a big role in promoting the tourism sector through positive publicity.
SLTPB Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam said that Sri Lanka is currently known as one of the safest and most attractive tourist destinations in the world. He said that last year, about 60,000 Bangladeshi tourists visited Sri Lanka and this number is increasing rapidly this year as well. Bangladesh is already among the top 10 tourist source countries of Sri Lanka and he expressed hope that it will rise further in the future. He also said that Sri Lanka has various types of tourism potential, including not only Colombo, Kandy or Bentota but also hilly areas, sea beaches, adventure tourism, medical tourism and destination weddings.
SriLankan Airlines Regional Manager Fawzan Fareid said at the event that regular flights are currently being operated on the Dhaka-Colombo route and there is a possibility of further expansion in the future. He mentioned that Sri Lanka is fully prepared to host large groups, corporate tours and destination weddings. At the same time, the country is multi-religious and multicultural, ensuring a suitable environment for all types of tourists.
On the other hand, TOAB President Mohammad Rafuzzaman highlighted some challenges regarding airfare and visa process. He said that although the number of flights is satisfactory, the high price of tickets is a barrier for tourists in many cases. He also opined that the number of Bangladeshi tourists would increase further if the visa process were made easier.
TOAB Vice President Md. Anwar Hossain also spoke at the event.
In the second part of the event, an interactive Q&A session was held with media representatives, where detailed discussions were held on tourism development, travel facilities and future plans. The organizers said that a ‘B2B Roadshow and Networking Evening’ will be held at the same venue on April 6 with the participation of Sri Lankan tour operators and hotel representatives, which will open up new possibilities in the tourism sectors of the two countries.
