Sri Lankan President Affirms Commitment to Eco-Tourism – Stepping Towards Sustainability

Sri Lankan president Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted the county’s commitment towards eco-tourism through the conservation of wetlands, during his speech at the WLI Asia Oceania Conference 2024 in June. He also urged tropical countries to consider the potential of self-sustaining financial models connected with environmental projects as an alternative to relying on external funding to address climate change.

The conference was organized by the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation under the theme “Wetlands and Wetland Centers for Eco-Friendly Tourism.” Representatives from over 15 countries participated in the program and had the chance to explore the urban wetlands of Colombo during the three-day observation program.

Renowned for its wildlife and abundance of natural resources, parks and forests, sustainable tourism has been a long-term goal in Sri Lanka. There are many eco-destinations in the country like Habarana, a well-known spot for safari and nature lovers featuring the Minneriya sanctuary and plenty of hotels focused on sustainability like Cinnamon Lodge Habarana. In the nearby area of Sigiriya, Sri Lanka hotels that commit to conservation and sustainability are plentiful and are a part of the country’s efforts towards a sustainable future.