Govt. urged to act as unlicensed Chinese tour guides impact local tourism

The increasing presence of Chinese nationals working as self-employed tour guides in Sri Lanka has raised concern among local tourism stakeholders, with calls for urgent action from the Ministry of Tourism.

Dr. Mahesh Priyadarshana, Former President of the Sri Lanka National Tourist Guide Lecturers Association (SLINTGL) and current Chairman of the Tour Guides Association, warned that the practice is significantly affecting the livelihoods of licensed Sri Lankan tour guides.

“Guide fees that once came to Sri Lanka are now being entirely diverted overseas. Local guides are losing their income, and this has become a serious issue,” he said.

Licensed Sri Lankan tour guides invest approximately Rs. 150,000 to complete the Chinese Tour Guide training course and obtain an official license, in addition to paying an annual renewal fee to the government.

Dr. Priyadarshana emphasized that authorities have a responsibility to safeguard the profession and ensure fair opportunities for local guides.

Highlighting legal concerns, he noted that it is illegal for foreign tourists to engage in employment or earn income in Sri Lanka.

“Even if a foreigner holds a resident visa, they may only work in the specific field for which the visa was issued,” Dr. Priyadarshana explained.

He also raised alarms that some unlicensed Chinese guides may be participating in other business activities, including gem trading, in violation of local regulations, further complicating enforcement within the tourism industry.