Foreign tour guides operating illegally put on notice View(s):By Wasantha RamanayakeIllegal tourist guiding harms the industry and reduces service quality, attracting low-spending visitors, said Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairperson Buddhika Hewawasam. The enforcement unit has successfully acted against unlicensed guides leading tourist groups, in line with the court undertaking. The SLTDA’s enforcement unit would take legal action against foreign illegal guides operating with tourist visas. They contribute to revenue leakage.’’Mr Hewawasam said legal action could also be taken against locals operating unlicensed tourism establishments. “Illegal guides as well as organisations using them could be penalised under the Tourism Act.’’ SLTDA has informed all registered tour operators to not use unlicensed guides.

Source: Sunday Times January 10, 2026 19:30 UTC