Every morning during peak season, thousands of visitors converge on Sigiriya Rock Fortress, creating bottlenecks on the narrow staircases, eroding ancient pathways, and transforming a UNESCO World Heritage site into a crowded queue. Nearby Pidurangala Rock, once promoted as the “peaceful alternative,” now faces similar pressures. This concentration of visitors at two sites threatens the […]
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As Sri Lanka’s tourism industry rebounds, the pressure on iconic destinations like Yala, Sigiriya, and Minneriya continues to intensify. For tourism professionals, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity to embrace responsible travel practices while showcasing the island’s lesser-known treasures. The Case for Alternative Destinations Overcrowding at popular sites creates a domino effect: degraded […]
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Sri Lanka has become a global hotspot for whale watching, offering sightings of the blue whale, Bryde’s, sperm, and pilot whales just off its southern and eastern coasts. However, beneath the glossy ads and viral social media videos lies a troubling reality: swimming with whales is not only unethical—it’s illegal. In 2012, Sri Lanka banned […]
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After a prolonged 15-year legal process, Wilpattu National Park has received renewed protection following a ruling by the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka. The Environmental Foundation Limited (EFL), alongside key conservation partners, challenged the unauthorized opening of an illegal road that cut through the park. On May 7, 2025, the State formally committed to halting […]
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Tourism in Sri Lanka faces a paradox: it depends on natural resources while also threatening their sustainability due to rapid and unregulated development. In the wake of multiple crises since 2019, such as the Easter bombings, pandemic and economic crisis, tourism is expected to play a key role in the country’s economic recovery. However, for […]
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