SriLanka, June 9 -- Sri Lanka's tourism revenues have not declined, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told Parliament on Tuesday, explaining that recent figures reflect a shift to internationally recognized survey methodologies rather than a downturn in earnings.
"The actual dollar amount spent by a foreign tourist in Sri Lanka has been accurately determined, and there has been no major change or disruption in spending patterns," Herath said. He noted that previous surveys were based on small sample sizes that could artificially inflate income figures, while the new methodology provides a more reliable measure of tourist spending.
MP Ravi Karunanayake raised concerns that credit card payments made by tourists bypass the Central Bank's Lanka...