Davos 2026: PM Harini Amarasuriya Positions Tourism as a Global Diplomatic Tool

By Lions Roar News Diplomatic Desk

DAVOS, SWITZERLAND (Thursday, January 22, 2026) — Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has urged global leaders to view tourism not merely as an economic sector, but as a “vital diplomatic tool” that fosters international cooperation and builds cultural bridges.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on Tuesday, the Prime Minister highlighted Sri Lanka’s remarkable recovery as a global blueprint for resilience in the face of economic instability and climate change.

🌍 Tourism as “Soft Power”

Dr. Amarasuriya participated in a high-level panel discussion titled “Tourism as Soft Power and Diplomatic Capital” held at the Euronews Hub in Piz Buin, Davos.

Key themes from her address included:

Building Trust: She emphasized that tourism facilitates people-to-people connections, which are essential for strengthening international trust and regional cooperation.
Diplomatic Capital: “Tourism is more than an industry; it is a diplomatic instrument that protects livelihoods and reinforces social resilience,” she stated.
Sri Lanka’s Resilience: The Prime Minister shared how Sri Lanka successfully navigated recent crises—including the devastating effects of Cyclone Ditva—by employing transparent crisis management and strategic international partnerships to maintain traveler confidence.

🤝 Global Collaboration

The panel featured other prominent global figures, reflecting the diverse interest in tourism’s role in diplomacy:

Kuban Omiraliyev: Secretary-General of the Organization of Turkic States.
Meshari Alnahar: CEO of Aseer Investment Company, Saudi Arabia.

Together, the leaders discussed how inclusive policies could ensure that tourism benefits the most vulnerable populations, particularly women.

🌱 The Future of Travel: Sustainability & Equality

The Prime Minister outlined a progressive vision for the future of the industry, calling for a shift toward long-term sustainable tourism.

Dr. Amarasuriya’s Policy Priorities:

Climate Finance: Integrating environmental protection into tourism funding.
Digital Transformation: Leveraging technology to enhance the traveler experience and operational efficiency.
Gender Equality: Implementing “all-inclusive” policies to ensure fair and equal opportunities for women in the tourism workforce.
Inclusive Growth: Creating jobs for vulnerable communities to ensure that tourism wealth is distributed equitably.

📊 Sri Lanka Tourism Snapshot: 2026 Resilience

Focus Area	Strategy Highlight
Crisis Response	Transparent communication & partner engagement.
Economic Impact	Recorded high arrivals despite geopolitical & climate challenges.
Social Goal	Empowering women and vulnerable communities through jobs.
Global Role	Positioning Sri Lanka as a leader in “Soft Power” diplomacy.