SriLanka, Feb. 22 -- The latest arrival figures released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) paint an encouraging picture on the surface: arrivals are rising steadily, confirming that the island has regained visibility and confidence among international travellers.

Yet behind these positive headlines lies a worrying contradiction. Tourist arrivals are increasing, but tourism revenues are not rising proportionately. In simple terms, Sri Lanka is welcoming more visitors - but earning less per visitor. This widening gap is not accidental; it reflects a structural weakness in tourism policy that has persisted for over a decade.

The uncomfortable truth is that volume tourism alone will not rescue Sri Lanka's economy. What ...