Tourism Paradox: Rising Arrivals vs. Leaking Revenue 📈

Opposition MP Dr. Harsha de Silva has highlighted a "tourism paradox" where surging visitor numbers are not translating into proportional economic gains for Sri Lanka. • Revenue Leakage: Foreign nationals are reportedly operating unlicensed cafes, bars, and surf camps on tourist visas. Payments are often processed through overseas platforms, preventing income from entering the local economy. • Regulatory Gaps: The MP stressed that all operators must adhere to the same rules regarding licences, local employment, and taxes to ensure fair competition and fiscal benefit. • Overtourism & Environment: Concerns were raised regarding excessive visitor volumes at ecologically sensitive sites like Yala and UNESCO-listed Sigiriya, threatening long-term sustainability. • Strategic Shift: The MP advocates for a "quality over quantity" approach to sustainable tourism to mitigate pollution and congestion while protecting cultural assets.