Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have signed a new agreement to enhance cooperation in sustainable tourism and establish shared Buddhist pilgrimage routes. The agreement, reached at a recent high-level meeting in Colombo, intends to boost environmentally friendly travel, green investment, and cultural contact between the two South Asian countries. Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, led by Secretary Aruni Ranaraja, facilitated the negotiations. Officials from both countries emphasized their shared goal of building a tourism industry that protects the environment while creating opportunities for local communities.
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During the meeting, both sides agreed that developing “green tourism” would be at the heart of this partnership. This technique focuses on environmental protection, responsible travel, and inclusive growth. Sri Lanka, which is home to tropical beaches, mountain tea gardens, and historic temples, has offered to share its ecotourism planning expertise with Bangladesh. Bangladesh, on the other hand, sees this partnership as an opportunity to strengthen its global tourism brand. The country is home to Cox’s Bazar, the world’s longest natural sea beach, and the Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its mangrove forests and Bengal tigers. Despite these benefits, Bangladesh now receives less than 700,000 international visitors per year. Officials believe the new cooperation would help them attract more tourists and boost their standing in the global tourism business.
A formal memorandum of understanding (MoU) will finalize this partnership. It will set out a framework for joint investment, marketing, infrastructure development, and business cooperation in tourism. The agreement will also encourage cross-border travel initiatives and shared cultural experiences. In a statement, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry said both nations recognize tourism as a key pillar of their economies. “Sri Lanka expressed its interest in collaborating with Bangladesh on developing green tourism,” the statement read. “Bangladesh welcomed the proposal and suggested creating joint tourism initiatives, including tea and Buddhist tourism circuits.”
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The partnership will feature several new projects designed to promote nature-based travel. Plans include creating eco-lodges, safeguarding wildlife sanctuaries, and designing adventure routes that emphasize natural vistas while supporting local conservation efforts. These projects are part of a larger global movement to promote sustainable and low-carbon tourism. Among the primary initiatives is a common tourism circuit that connects the two countries’ tea-growing regions and Buddhist cultural sites. Sri Lanka’s world-famous Ceylon tea industry has significant ties to Bangladesh’s own tea-growing regions in Sylhet and the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Future joint tours could combine tea estate visits, tasting experiences, and cultural events that celebrate the agricultural traditions of both nations.
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A second major focus will be a Buddhist pilgrimage route connecting sacred sites in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Pilgrims could travel between landmarks such as Sri Lanka’s Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and the Dambulla Cave Temple, and Bangladesh’s ancient monastic centers at Paharpur and Naogaon. The circuit is designed to attract both domestic and international visitors who want to learn about the two countries’ shared spiritual legacy. Additionally, boosting regional connectivity was also in the plans. Officials reviewed the possibility of new direct shipping routes between Chattogram in Bangladesh and Colombo in Sri Lanka. Such linkages could not only facilitate travel but also improve trade within regional frameworks such as BIMSTEC (the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multisectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).
Sri Lanka, which received over 2 million visitors in 2024, has now attracted Bangladeshi investors to explore opportunities in its booming tourism and hospitality industries. Accordingly, eco-resorts, hotels, and related service businesses are all viable investment options. In response, Bangladesh encouraged Sri Lankan businessmen to invest in its Special Economic Zones, Export Processing Zones, and fast-growing industries, including pharmaceuticals and information technology. According to Bangladeshi delegates, the programs aim to create new opportunities, strengthen tourism workforce skills, and promote greater cultural understanding between the two countries. By connecting tea estates, historic Buddhist monuments, and natural eco-destinations, both countries aim to build a sustainable tourism network that honors their shared past while providing travelers with meaningful, environmentally responsible experiences.
