Redefining Yield: A Regenerative Policy Framework for Sri Lankan Tourism

Sri Lanka’s post-crisis tourism strategy remains structurally anchored to an extractive, volumedriven model monitored by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). While raw arrival milestones achieve superficial political success, macroeconomic indicators reveal a stark volume-value paradox: escalating visitor headcounts are generating diminishing financial yields due to a high capital leakage rate of 50% to 70%. This policy paper diagnoses the systemic failuresnof mass tourism on the island—manifested through infrastructure collapse, ecological strain, resource depletion, and skilled-labour brain drain. It outlines a strategic paradigm shift from passive, defensive sustainability (‘doing less harm’) to active, offensive regeneration (‘net-positiveimpact’). Ultimately, this briefing establishes a structured three-pillar blueprint—encompassing community co-ownership, active ecological restoration as premium experiences, and living classrooms—backed by a comprehensive legal and economic implementation roadmap designed to secure Sri Lanka’s long-term economic and ecological sovereignty.