Sri Lanka, Oct. 6 -- Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath said Sri Lanka's tourism industry has made rapid progress over a relatively short period. He identified the country's economic and political stability as the main reason for this progress.

Addressing the gathering at the final programme of the World Tourism Day celebrations in the Kalutara District, he said the World Economic Forum's (WEF) 2026 Travel and Tourism Development Index has ranked Sri Lanka among the top ten countries in the world for the fastest improvement in travel and tourism development between 2024 and 2026.

Noting that 2025 recorded the highest number of tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka's history, Herath was confident this record ...