Sri Lanka Tourism was honored with the Green Destination Award at ITB Berlin 2025, in recognition of its longstanding efforts toward sustainable tourism. The country was celebrated for implementing sustainable environmental practices at and around the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982 and one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent tourist attractions.

After an extensive evaluation process, Sri Lanka Tourism was awarded the Green Destination Bronze Award for its work at Sigiriya. This prestigious recognition acknowledges outstanding achievements in key sustainable fields, including nature and monument conservation, waste management, energy efficiency, climate adaptation, and risk management.

Importantly, the award also reflects Sri Lanka’s broader efforts to enhance the destination's attractiveness for future travelers. The evaluation covered not only tangible aspects like the preservation of natural heritage but also strategic political and management plans that align with sustainable development principles.

A Rigorous Path to Recognition

Participating destinations undergo a demanding qualification process, requiring them to implement sustainability management systems. Independent performance reviews and audits are conducted every two to three years, with destinations assessed against 97 sustainability criteria and indicators.

'This award is a significant milestone for tourism in Sri Lanka, especially as sustainable tourism gains importance among travelers worldwide,' said Mr. Buddika Hewawasam, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), at the award ceremony held on March 4 at ITB Berlin. He emphasized that the award acts as a catalyst for Sri Lanka's tourism sector to adopt even more sustainable practices, positioning the country as a global leader in responsible tourism.

The Green Destinations Award & Certification Program, recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) since 2018, encourages continuous improvements in responsible destination management. To date, more than 160 destinations in 60 countries have received awards or certifications through this program.

Teamwork Behind the Achievement

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) played a pivotal role in securing this achievement. The team worked tirelessly for nearly two years to meet the stringent Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria set by the GSTC, which evaluates destinations across four levels—Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

'Even achieving the Bronze level is a major task,' said Mr. Upali Rathnayake, Deputy Director General of SLTDA, who was the driving force behind this initiative. Alongside him, a dedicated team—including Mr. Deepan Sinharasan, Ms. Dinushka Peiris, Ms. Sandhapaba Kathriarachchi, and Mr. Muditha Abeysinghe—worked meticulously toward this goal.

Mr. Chinthana Dumiduhewa, the Country Coordinator for Green Destinations, also made a significant contribution. The project received funding and support from UNDP and ADB: UNDP supported studies, guide training, and site development, while ADB funded the preparation of a comprehensive destination management plan and infrastructure readiness. Solidaridad assisted with awareness campaigns, cleaning initiatives, and the development of a self-assessment portal for sustainable certification.

Broad-Based Stakeholder Involvement

Key stakeholders such as the Central Cultural Fund (CCF), Divisional Secretariat, Archaeology Department, Provincial Council Dambulla, and the Forest Department collaborated closely to achieve this success. SLTDA acted as the main coordinator, working hand-in-hand with SLTPB, industry representatives, and local tourism communities to highlight Sri Lanka’s commitment to sustainable tourism on the global stage.

A Sustainable Future for Tourism in Sri Lanka

Currently, about 350 destinations worldwide are certified as sustainable by the GSTC, with UNWTO acting as a sister organization supporting this initiative. Sustainable tourism is increasingly seen as both a market trend and a destination necessity.

The process to achieve certification involved key activities: preparing main attractions for sustainability, engaging stakeholders, recording performance, and building monitoring capabilities. Sigiriya was selected due to its vast cultural significance within a 3-km radius and its proximity to the Minneriya National Park, a major tourist attraction.

The evaluation process for Sigiriya included measuring and monitoring waste collection, wastewater management, guest satisfaction, community benefit opportunities, and flora and fauna protection. After successfully meeting all requirements, an independent shadow audit was conducted by GSTC evaluators, leading to Sri Lanka’s certification.

This marks a historic milestone, as Sri Lanka has now been formally recognized as a sustainable tourism destination for the first time.

In line with the country’s tourism tagline, this achievement can be leveraged to attract more visitors who are increasingly prioritizing sustainable travel. Sri Lanka has also joined a global sustainable tourism alliance, further enhancing its position in the international market.

By fulfilling key sustainability requirements across facilities, services, activities, and the broader tourism economy, Sri Lanka has proven its capability to offer travelers a rich, diverse, and sustainable experience. This accolade underscores the country’s strength in promoting its cultural, religious, and natural treasures to mesmerize and inspire travelers worldwide.