Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have announced plans for a comprehensive partnership aimed at developing sustainable tourism, including a focus on Buddhist pilgrimage sites in both countries. The initiative was formalized during a recent meeting in Colombo, where officials from both nations discussed a range of projects centered on eco-friendly travel, green investment, and shared cultural promotion.

Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, led by Secretary Aruni Ranaraja, highlighted the shared commitment to building a sustainable future through responsible and inclusive tourism development. The discussions outlined joint efforts to promote green tourism, tea heritage routes, and Buddhist pilgrimage circuits.

Both governments agreed that green tourism, focused on ecological preservation and sustainable travel, would form the core of their cooperation. Sri Lanka, already a well-known destination for its diverse landscapes and heritage sites, expressed interest in helping Bangladesh develop its own eco-tourism model. Bangladesh, home to the world’s longest natural beach at Cox’s Bazar and the UNESCO-listed Sundarbans mangrove forest, currently receives fewer than 700,000 international tourists annually. Officials hope the partnership with Sri Lanka will help boost global visibility and visitor numbers.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on tourism cooperation is expected to formalize the partnership, providing a framework for investment, marketing, and infrastructure development. The agreement will also promote cross-border travel initiatives and tourism-related business opportunities.

In an official statement, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted:

Recognizing the significant role that tourism plays in economies of the two countries, Sri Lanka expressed its interest in collaborating with Bangladesh on developing Green Tourism. Bangladesh welcomed Sri Lanka’s proposal and also proposed to develop joint tourism initiatives, including Tea and Buddhist tourism circuits and to finalize the MoU on Tourism Cooperation. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Proposed initiatives include eco-lodges, wildlife sanctuaries, and nature-based adventure routes that integrate local conservation efforts. The emphasis on sustainable infrastructure reflects broader regional and global trends toward responsible travel and carbon reduction in tourism sectors.

Among the key projects discussed was the development of shared tourism circuits linking the two countries through their tea-producing regions and Buddhist heritage sites. Sri Lanka’s longstanding reputation for Ceylon tea offers a natural synergy with Bangladesh’s tea estates in Sylhet and the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Joint tours could include tea plantation visits, tasting experiences, and cultural tours emphasizing the agricultural traditions of both nations.

The second major initiative involves the creation of a Buddhist tourism circuit connecting sacred sites in Sri Lanka, such as Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth and the Dambulla Cave Temple, with Bangladesh’s ancient monastic centers at Paharpur and Naogaon.

Talks also included discussions on improving regional connectivity. Officials explored the possibility of direct shipping routes between Chattogram in Bangladesh and Colombo in Sri Lanka. Such routes could facilitate both tourism and trade, complementing efforts under the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

Sri Lanka, which welcomed more than two million visitors in 2024, invited Bangladeshi investors to participate in its expanding tourism and hospitality sectors. Opportunities include hotel construction, eco-tourism ventures, and related service industries. Bangladesh, in turn, encouraged Sri Lankan investors to consider projects in its Export Processing Zones, Special Economic Zones, and the growing pharmaceutical and information technology industries.

According to Bangladeshi officials, these initiatives will not only boost tourism revenue but also create jobs, enhance skill development, and foster cross-cultural understanding. By linking tea estates, Buddhist sites, and eco-destinations through coordinated promotion and infrastructure, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka aim to attract travelers seeking both natural beauty and meaningful cultural engagement.

See more

Fourth Round of Sri Lanka – Bangladesh Foreign Office Consultations at Foreign Secretaries’ Level Successfully Concludes in Colombo (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Collaborates: Tea and Buddhist Tourism Circuits Set to Boost Travel (Travel and Tour World)
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka to launch joint tourism initiative (The Daily Star)

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