According to SLTPB, Indian tourist arrivals recorded a 38.2% growth in May and a cumulative growth of 26.8% with 119,593 arrivals as at end May.

Sri Lanka and India have a strong trading partnerships and the trade between the two countries has crossed US$ 4 billion even though the trade balance is in favor of India, Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Rohantha Athukorala said.

"With the partnership of Air India and Sri Lanka Tourism, we want to tap into the segment of 'trade tourism' where the premier class customers of Air India can be reached," said Athukorala.