Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is on a strong recovery path, and authorities are stepping up efforts to support the surge. In a timely and strategic move, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced the expansion of immigration counters at key airports to accommodate the rising number of international arrivals. This step comes amidst an impressive increase in tourist footfall in 2025, driven primarily by visitors from India, Russia, and the UK.
Enhanced Immigration Facilities to Welcome Tourists
Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, CAA Director General and CEO Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sagara Kotakadeniya emphasized the importance of a traveler’s first impression upon arrival. “This is the point of welcome,” he noted, underlining that the immigration desk is often the first interaction a visitor has with a country. To reduce long queues and airport congestion, plans are underway to increase the number of immigration counters and revamp internal airport arrangements for smoother tourist processing.
Additionally, a proposal is being considered to improve departure procedures by introducing self check-in kiosks and dedicated emigration counters, though this remains under discussion.
The Impact on Sri Lanka’s Tourism Industry
This development has significant implications for the country’s tourism sector:
1. Improved First Impressions
A seamless immigration process directly enhances the arrival experience for tourists. With less waiting time and more efficient procedures, travelers are more likely to start their journey on a positive note—boosting satisfaction and increasing the likelihood of return visits and word-of-mouth recommendations.
2. Support for Increasing Tourist Numbers
As of April 2025, over 1.05 million international tourists had already visited Sri Lanka, a testament to the country’s growing popularity. Indian travelers lead the charts with over 210,000 visitors, followed by Russia and the UK. In May 2025 alone, Sri Lanka welcomed 132,919 tourists—an 18.5% year-on-year increase compared to May 2024. The trend continues in June, with over 21,000 arrivals in just the first five days.
3. Economic Boost for Tourism Businesses
With smoother airport procedures, tourists can quickly reach their destinations, benefiting local hotels, transport services, travel agencies, and attractions. Reduced airport congestion also improves tourist flow across the country, supporting businesses outside of the capital.
4. Positioning Sri Lanka as a Tourist-Friendly Destination
In a competitive global tourism market, efficiency at entry and exit points plays a crucial role. This initiative aligns Sri Lanka with international standards, positioning it as a modern, tourist-ready destination—a vital message for high-value travelers and international tour operators.