The Sustainable Tourism Association of Sri Lanka (SusTour) will be formally launched in August 2026 as South Asia’s first private-sector-led, non-governmental sustainable tourism body, the association’s executive committee announced after its final preparatory meeting on May 6 at the Connaisance head office in Colombo.
Most tourism associations across Asia operate as dedicated eco-tourism entities, the founders said, making SusTour likely the first comprehensive sustainable tourism association of its kind in the region.
Deputy Tourism Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe will officiate at the August inauguration. Prof. Ranasinghe — an academic specialising in sustainable tourism — has pledged government support for the initiative. SLTDA Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam and Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management Chairman Dheera Hettiarchchi have also confirmed their cooperation in implementing sustainable tourism programmes through their respective state agencies.
“This partnership is not just beneficial but essential. By working together, we can ensure that our tourism practices not only enhance economic growth but also preserve our natural resources and cultural heritage for future generations,” Prof. Ranasinghe said at a press briefing.
Australian High Commissioner Matthew Duckworth said Australia would continue its long-term support, citing more than A$50 million contributed over the past decade to sustainable tourism initiatives in Sri Lanka, including planning, accreditation and skills development. Australia’s partnership with the Market Development Facility (MDF) recently launched a new data-analytics initiative to help Sri Lankan policymakers understand how travellers discover and engage with destinations.
Founder President Chandra Wickramasinghe said SusTour aims to be a platform where stakeholders — including product manufacturers — collaborate on best practices. “We aim to ensure that tourism in Sri Lanka not only provides economic benefits but also contributes positively to the environment and local communities,” he said.
The launch comes as the tourism industry pushes back on the e-cigarette ban and continues to recover momentum, with the sector recently crossing 900,000 cumulative arrivals year-to-date.
