Anirban Dasgupta, Chief Editor of Travellers’ World magazine, engages in a candid conversation with Mahishini Colonne, the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India. The discussion delves into the vibrant tourism exchange between the two neighbouring countries, highlighting the deep-rooted cultural ties and the growing number of travellers crossing borders each year. The High Commissioner shares perspectives on the ease of travel, evolving connectivity, and Sri Lanka’s remarkable appeal as a diverse tourist destination.
Madam High Commissioner, how would you describe the current state of tourism exchange between India and Sri Lanka?
Tourism between India and Sri Lanka is truly a two-way phenomenon. Each year, about 150,000 to 200,000 Sri Lankans visit India, mostly as pilgrims, travelling to revered Buddhist sites such as Bodhgaya, Sarnath, and Varanasi. Sri Lankans from different religious communities also visit the southern states of India.
On the other hand, currently, Indian tourists represent the largest group of visitors to Sri Lanka. Last year alone, around 500,000 Indians visited Sri Lanka.
With such strong people-to-people contact, how do you view the cultural connection between our two countries?
The cultural connection between India and Sri Lanka is indeed profound and ancient. Prime Minister Modi once referred to our nations as “civilisational twins,” and one of our former foreign ministers famously described our ties as being “lost in the mists of time.” The people-to-people connectivity between India and Sri Lanka goes back thousands of years.
For many Indians, visiting Sri Lanka feels almost like visiting an extension of their own home due to our similarities, though of course, we have our differences as well.
What steps has Sri Lanka taken to make it easier for Indian tourists to visit?
We have taken several measures to facilitate travel.
Indian tourists do not require a visa for short visits to Sri Lanka. Instead, they need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), a straightforward online process. There is no fee, and approvals are typically granted within minutes — often less than an hour.
Connectivity is excellent as well, with about 400 flights a week between different Indian cities and Colombo. For instance, there are five flights daily between Delhi and Colombo, and direct connections from other major cities are increasing.
Given your personal experience in India, are there any particular places you’ve enjoyed visiting here?
I have been fortunate to have a long association with India, having served here previously from 2011 to 2014 and having been a student in Pune in the 1990s.
India is incredibly diverse, and I have travelled to many UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Ajanta and Ellora, as well as prominent Buddhist sites. I have also visited Ladakh, Dharamsala, Amritsar, and several cities in Rajasthan such as Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, and Jodhpur. In my view, every place in India is unique—each with its own culture, food, and landscape. However, Ladakh holds a special place in my heart for its distinct beauty.
For Indian tourists unfamiliar with Sri Lanka, what should they know about your country’s diversity and attractions?
Sri Lanka may be a small country, just about 65,000 square kilometres, but it is incredibly diverse in terms of climate, geography, and culture. One can travel from cool mountain regions to tropical beaches within a few hours. We are proud to be home to six UNESCO World Heritage sites, and there are many lesser-known destinations beyond the popular ones like Colombo or Bentota.
I urge travellers to explore places on our east coast, wildlife parks such as Vilpattu in the northwest, and experience our rich history and archaeological sites.
How is sustainable and eco-friendly tourism developing in Sri Lanka?
Sustainability is a key focus for us. Many of our hotels, like Kandalama, are built to blend into the natural environment, utilising forest cover and eco-friendly practices.
We encourage responsible tourism with programs that involve local communities, promote organic food, and minimise plastic use. We also offer homestay experiences, providing visitors with the chance to live among local families and understand their way of life. The breadth of experiences available is vast, ranging from wellness tourism to wildlife safaris and modern architecture.
Is planning a trip to Sri Lanka complicated for Indian tourists?
Not at all. Sri Lanka has excellent tourism infrastructure and is very accessible and family-friendly. We offer a wide range of choices, from luxury and boutique hotels to accommodations for backpackers. As I mentioned earlier, there is truly something for everyone here, and we warmly welcome all Indian visitors to come and discover Sri Lanka for themselves.
