PH, Sri Lanka eye deeper tourism cooperation

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco welcomed Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Professor Ruwan Ranasinghe, during a courtesy visit at the Department of Tourism (DOT) Central Office on Friday, May 30.

The meeting highlighted the strengthening of tourism cooperation between the Philippines and Sri Lanka, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to promoting each country as a top-tier destination. Discussions focused on shared interests in cultural tourism, heritage preservation, and sustainable tourism development.

Deputy Minister Ranasinghe, an established academic and policymaker in tourism, expressed a strong interest in learning from the Philippines' best practices. These include advancements in tourism education, skills development, marketing strategies, and improving destination connectivity.

Secretary Frasco, in turn, underscored the DOT’s initiatives to create diverse, inclusive, and competitive tourism experiences. She also lauded the ongoing support of Sri Lankan Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Chanaka Talpahewa, who has actively participated in flagship DOT programs such as the Philippine Dive Experience and the Philippine Experience Program held in Batanes.

With the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Sri Lanka approaching, the meeting set the stage for renewed collaboration in tourism investments, promotional campaigns, academic exchanges, and joint research.

Also present during the meeting were Sri Lankan diplomatic columnist Glenn Gale, DOT Undersecretaries Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, Verna Buensuceso, Maria Rica Bueno, Assistant Secretary Judilyn Quiachon, and Head Executive Assistant Frances Jan Villarino.