‘Cooling’ trend in arrivals In hot month April

Sri Lanka welcomed 117,893 tourists in April, up-to April 28 as per the SLTDA records with 30% from India (35,862), followed by the UK and Australia. This marks a ‘cooling’ trend compared to previous months, falling below the 174,608 arrivals in April 2025, due to the end of the peak season and seasonal shifts.

There is a 26% decline in daily arrivals in the first 22 days of April 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, reflecting the end of the winter season. April 2025 was a strong period, marking a 17% increase over April 2024, with India being the top source market.

While early April saw over 90,000 arrivals, the daily rate dropped from an average of over 6,000 earlier in the year to around 4,500 by late April. For the year thus far 858,527 arrivals are recorded on April 28, 2026 as per the latest figures. 183,135 individuals are from India, 88,005 from the UK, 72,090 from Russia, the SLTDA report reveals.

Concepts that can attract the visitor

In this backdrop, Tourists officials are accelerating concepts that can up the arrival numbers, meanwhile the Minister of Tourism Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, is exploring the installation of a cable car system at Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) to improve accessibility.

The project aims to enable elderly and physically challenged visitors to reach the summit, with plans involving feasibility studies and environmental assessments.

The initiative was discussed in a Tourism Task Force meeting, to boost tourism infrastructure and provide access for those unable to make the long, traditional climb. This would attract the tourists who are reluctant to climb due to physical difficulties thus it will help those who will visit only if the facility is available.

The project is in the initial phase, requiring comprehensive technical and environmental impact reports. The proposal is part of a broader push to modernize tourist sites and increase arrivals, as discussed by the Ministry. Read more on this on our cover story.

Call for ‘Walk for Peace’ Travel Route to be made official

‘Walk for Peace’- A week-long journey covering approximately 225 kilometers from Dambulle to Colombo by Ven. Pannakara, ended on April 28, 2026, at Independence Square in Colombo.

The group of 13 monks, joined by a dog named ‘Aloka,’ promoted peace, compassion, mindfulness and unity on an amazing route which the Sunday Observer Explorer last week called upon the tourism Industry to declare the travel route by the Bhikkues to be named ‘ Walk for Peace’ Travel route and for it to be included officially in all Travel itineraries offered to foreign visitors.

During this historic event, Venerable Bhikkhu Paññakara was formally entrusted with the Sacred Relics of the Buddha and a sacred sapling from the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, presented by the President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

These sacred treasures are powerful symbols of peace, mindfulness, loving-kindness, harmony, and wisdom- the very same values that had inspired the ‘Walk for Peace’. This is a profoundly significant moment, sharing Sri Lanka’s precious Buddhist heritage with the international community.

Some stunning captures by a team of photographers have been compiled which will give you a glimpse of the wonderful peace walk and its, route on page 15. We at Sunday Observer Explorer encourage you to take this same route on your travels outstation and re- visit the places of worship and experiance the beautiful surroundings of our country that dot along the way.

A Bond of Peace – A beautiful moment of loving-kindness on Day 8—the final day of ‘Walk for Peace’ journey in Sri Lanka is seen below.

The quiet bond between Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara and Aloka reminds us that peace is a shared language for all beings.

May this moment inspire us all on the walk of peace for ourselves and for the benefit of all beings.

May you and all beings be well, happy and at peace. Wish you Happy reading until next week.

Source - Sunday Observer