In popular tourist destinations such as Sigiriya and Ella, competition is fierce - but not necessarily fair. More and more foreign tourist guides, especially from China and Russia, are offering their services without having the necessary license. This is causing tensions with the local guides, who fear a loss of income due to this competition. While the authorities are trying to get to grips with the problem, there is a lack of clear penalties and many see only one solution: a joint effort to really get to grips with the problem.
The problem with illegal foreign tourist guides
Chinese guides in particular offer tours in Sri Lanka without an official permit. Many simply stay in the country longer than planned and renew their visas without bothering to get a license. This means that local guides, especially those who speak Mandarin, have a harder time getting jobs. In May 2024, an estimated 1,460 such illegal guides were counted. For the locals, this means less income and tougher competition - which really puts a damper on their mood.
Local guides sound the alarm
Lalraja Sivindra, Vice President of the All Ceylon Professional Tourist Drivers' Association, has a clear opinion on the matter: The unlicensed competition not only puts the local tour guides in trouble, but also hurts other businesses such as souvenir and jewelry stores that traditionally work with the licensed guides. The foreign guides prefer to direct tourists to "their own" stores, which puts an additional strain on local trade.
Tharanga Manoj Madugoda, President of the National Tourist Guide Lecturers' Association, is also concerned: Chinese guides are increasingly crowding out local providers. This means fewer jobs and less income for those who know the country's culture and history best.
Another problem: local tourist traps
There are not only problems with foreign guides - some locals also take advantage of tourists. Especially in tourist strongholds, some locals try to lure tourists into overpriced stores or give them false information. For example, visitors are often sent to expensive jewelers who pocket the money. These "tourist traps" damage the image of the country and do not make it any easier for honest, licensed guides.
"Together against illegal guided tours"
Ratnayake from the Sri Lankan Ministry of Tourism is calling for more cooperation in order to finally get to grips with the problem of illegal guides. He believes that the police and the SETDA - the authority that issues the licenses - need to coordinate better and take stricter action. The problem: the law (Tourism Act No. 38 of 2005) has a few loopholes, and without clear penalties, illegal activities keep getting through. A little tougher enforcement would certainly do no harm.
How do you actually become a licensed guide?
Officially, you have to meet certain requirements in Sri Lanka to be allowed to work as a licensed guide. These include language skills, knowledge of the country and an official license from the SETDA. However, competition from unauthorized guides is undermining the system. The authorities are trying to tighten up the law and regulate licensing more seriously so that local guides have more opportunities again.
Conclusion: things go wrong without rules
The increasing number of unlicensed foreign tourist guides in Sri Lanka is causing the local tourism industry to falter. When more and more illegal guides dominate the market, local providers and the country's reputation suffer. A joint commitment from the government and tourism associations as well as stricter rules are therefore urgently needed to keep tourism in Sri Lanka on track.