Sri Lanka’s President appoints high level inter-ministerial committee to boost tourism
Daily FT: President Ranil Wickremesinghe has appointed a high level inter-ministerial committee to boost tourism.
The move was in recognition of the tourism industry having a wide stakeholder participation and the need for well-coordinated effort to address institutional challenges that arise in the implementation of relevant tourism projects and programmers.
Aimed at developing Sri Lanka as a high value destination, the High-Level Inter-Ministerial Committee comprising relevant Secretaries to Ministries and Heads of Institutions have been appointed by President Wickremesinghe under the chairmanship of Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake.
It will examine and resolve key tourism development issues that require the attention of multiple institutions for their smooth implementation.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee comprises Tourism and Lands Ministry Secretary H.M.B.P. Herath, Urban Development and Housing Secretary W.S. Sathyananda, Ports, Shipping and Aviation Secretary K.D.S. Ruwanchandra, Transport and Highways Secretary M.M.P.K. Mayadunne, Environment Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Secretary R.M.C.M. Herath, Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Secretary Somaratne Vidanapathirana, Sports and Youth Affairs Secretary K. Mahesan, Public Security Secretary P.V. Gunathilake, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairman Priantha Fernando and Urban Development Authority Chairman Nimesh Herath.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is once again on the path to recovery after facing the impact of the global pandemic and the economic crisis last year. Local tourism authorities and the government of Sri Lanka are focused on further promoting the country’s tourism industry in key tourism source markets while exploring new tourism concepts. The steady growth in tourist arrivals to the country is a clear indication of the expanding tourism industry in the country and the expanding opportunities in the industry. The growth and business potential in the sector can be witnessed by the interest shown by international leisure and hospitality brands in entering Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. The country has received much exposure in the international media as a must visit tourist destination as well. Foreign businesses/investors while exploring opportunities in the tourism industry, could also look at forming partnerships or joint ventures with local businesses engaged in the industry.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20230725/Z_1 |