COLOMBO, June 16 -- Chinese tourists visiting Sri Lanka since January this year has seen a mediocre increase compared to last year and this may be having a negative impact on the island's lucrative tourism industry.

According to statistics from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), Chinese tourists increased sharply in September last year and till December has recorded a triple digit growth percentage when compared to the previous year.

Statistics have shown that more than 13,000 Chinese tourists arrived in the country in September last year, a 129.4 percent growth compared to the previous year. October recorded a 120.7 percent growth with 11,900 tourist arrivals, while November witnessed a 125.3 percent growth and December recording a 120.4 percent growth.

However the numbers recorded a sharp decrease since January this year with only an 8.9 percent growth being recorded during the month. February was the only month that performed well with 27, 425 Chinese tourist arrivals, a 165.8 percent increase, mainly due to the traditional Chinese New Year. The numbers dropped once again in March with only 13,975 being recorded during that month, while April recorded 13,790 and May 12,173.

Some of the Chinese tourists who have visited Sri Lanka have explained that the sudden downward trend in tourist arrivals may be due to the lack of facilities available for them and also the heavy traffic noted in most of the tourist spots on the island.