India tops Sri Lanka's tourist market in May

Despite the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka, as many as 5,562 Indian tourists visited the neighbouring nation in May. The tourism authority of Sri Lanka said India has topped the country's inbound tourist market.

According to the inbound tourist market, 3,723 tourists visited the island nation from the UK as well. The UK topped the list of holidaymakers in Sri Lanka with 11,500 visitors in April.

The number of visitors has been cut in half in comparison to April. The political situation in the country and upcoming holidays have caused a slump in the tourist sector. The highest number of tourist arrivals was recorded in March 2022. Tourism is a major factor in the economy of the island nation.

"The total number of international tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka during May 2022 was 30,207. Tourist arrivals for May have plunged by almost 52%, in comparison to April and 72% in comparison to March 2022," said the official statement.

Sri Lanka has been struggling with the worst economic slowdown since its independence in 1948. The country has been seeing riots and changes in government. Protestors blame the government for mishandling funds. The population has been suffering from a shortage of fuel, cooking gas, electricity, and other essentials. Food prices have also been hiked amid the crisis.

The unrest in the country has led to the death of 10 people including a parliamentarian. A curfew and a state of emergency were imposed. Over 1,000 people including members of the Parliament were arrested to maintain peace.