More than 2 million tourists have visited Sri Lanka in 2016 and 70% of them arrive with the purpose of recreation and 25% for visiting their relatives or friends.

Although there is a potential in attracting tourists by our traditional cultural aspects only 1% of tourists arrive in Sri Lanka with religious and cultural aspects.

Accordingly, the proposal made by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his capacity as the Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs, to appoint a committee of senior officials for taking necessary action for developing Colombo city as a performing and exhibition hub in South Asia for promoting domestic arts and cultural elements, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.