Dialog and Ruhunu Tourist Bureau Unveil AI-Powered ‘Travel Sri Lanka’ to Support Tourism

From left to right: Tharusha Wanigasekera, Manager, Digital Innovation and Inclusion, Group Sustainability, Dialog Axiata PLC; Asith De Silva, Senior Manager, Social Innovation, Group Sustainability, Dialog Axiata PLC; Asanga Priyadarshana, Group Chief Corporate Officer, Dialog Axiata PLC; Supun Weerasinghe, Director / Group Chief Executive, Dialog Axiata PLC; Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka; Prof. Susiripala Manawadu, Governor, Southern Province; Mr. Suranjith Wevita, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority; Mr. Jayan Godakanda, Chairman, Ruhunu Tourist Bureau

Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, in partnership with the Ruhunu Tourist Bureau, announced the launch of Travel Sri Lanka – Powered by Dialog AI, an AI-powered multilingual tourism voice assistant designed to make tourism information more accessible to local and international travellers. Supporting more than 12 international languages, the service enables travellers to access information and assistance through natural voice conversations via a simple phone call, without the need for a mobile application or internet connectivity.

Launched as a pilot in the Southern Province, Travel Sri Lanka combines Dialog’s AI capabilities with tourism information and destination expertise provided by the Ruhunu Tourist Bureau, following the initial guidance of Hon. Governor Prof. Susiripala Manawadu and under the support of Mr. Jayan Godaganda, Chairman of the Ruhunu Tourist Bureau, with plans to expand the service island-wide in the months ahead. Available around the clock, it provides information and assistance on destinations, itineraries, attractions, transport, safety and essential services, while connecting travellers with local tourism service providers.

Travel Sri Lanka was officially unveiled during Ruhunu NextGen Tourism 2026, held in Galle in celebration of World Tourism Day. The programme brought together government representatives, tourism industry stakeholders, educational institutions, diplomats and technology leaders to explore the future of tourism, innovation and artificial intelligence in Sri Lanka.

Commenting on the launch, Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, said, “As Sri Lanka continues to strengthen its position as a leading tourism destination, digital innovation will play an increasingly important role in enhancing visitor experiences. Travel Sri Lanka is a timely example of how artificial intelligence can make tourism information more accessible and support travellers in multiple languages. I thank Dialog and the Ruhunu Tourist Bureau for this collaboration, which demonstrates how technology can help make trusted tourism information more accessible to visitors across the country.”

“Travel Sri Lanka demonstrates how artificial intelligence can be localised and applied to address real-world needs. By bringing together Dialog’s AI capabilities and the tourism expertise of the Ruhunu Tourist Bureau, we are helping bridge information and language barriers and making it easier for travellers to discover and experience Sri Lanka. As we expand this initiative, we see significant potential for technology to strengthen the visitor experience, create greater opportunities across the tourism ecosystem and contribute to Sri Lanka’s economic growth,” said Supun Weerasinghe, Director / Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC.

Travel Sri Lanka builds on Dialog’s efforts to develop and localise technology solutions that address Sri Lankan needs and bridge gaps in access to information and services. Alongside initiatives such as Govi Mithuru AI, Sayuru AI and Yeheli AI, it reflects Dialog’s broader approach to applying digital technology and AI to deliver practical solutions across sectors and communities.

By improving access to tourism information and connecting travellers with destinations and local service providers, Travel Sri Lanka can support greater participation by businesses and communities in Sri Lanka’s tourism economy. The initiative also contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure through the use of digital infrastructure to expand access to information and services.

Travel Sri Lanka can be accessed by calling 011 778 8288, with insights from the Southern Province pilot helping shape its island-wide expansion in the months ahead.