SriLanka, Sept. 29 -- Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has called for the development of an eco-friendly tourism industry that protects Sri Lanka's environment and cultural heritage while ensuring that tourism revenue reaches small-scale entrepreneurs and communities in villages.

Addressing the National Conference on "Digital Innovation for Sustainable and Culturally Integrated Tourism" held to mark World Tourism Day 2026, the Prime Minister said tourism development should not be measured solely by visitor numbers and foreign exchange earnings, but also by the extent to which its benefits reach local communities.

"Our key objective is to build an eco-friendly tourism industry that empowers local communities without causing harm to ...