Sri Lanka has welcomed 77,552 tourists during the first 15 days of the month, comprising 35,775 during the first week and 41,777 in the balance eight days, pushing the cumulative figure to date to 845,465 paving a good start for the winter season which continues till the end of April 2024.

‘High occupancy is reported across the island, with only a few rooms left for the upcoming weekend in Yala, Kirinda, and Tissa. Kandy shows high occupancy for late August and early September,” Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairman Priantha Fernando said.

He also noted that an advertisement will run soon, seeking temporary registration for home stay accommodations during early September to cater to the rising numbers ahead of the Asia Cup Cricket Tournament and winter season.

India emerged as the top source market, reflecting 19% or 15,133 of total arrivals during the first 15 days, followed by the UK with 13% or 9,852, China with 7% or 5,491, Germany with 6% or 4,810 and France with 6% or 4,370.