Sri Lanka’s President inaugurates “Hilton Yala Resort,” emphasizing progress in tourism sector
Ada Derana: President Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted that the tourism industry stands as the paramount sector capable of swiftly advancing the country’s economic objectives. The government, under his leadership, has implemented numerous pivotal measures to foster its growth.
The President emphasized the significance of substantial contributions from both the public and private sectors. He stressed that the government is diligently working to provide necessary amenities for all stakeholders involved.
Addressing the audience at the inauguration of the Hilton Yala Resort, a luxurious establishment within the Hilton Hotel Group, President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the urgent need for comprehensive development in the region. The Yala National Park, frequented by local and international tourists daily, was singled out as a key area for such development.
Minister of Tourism and Lands, Harin Fernando, speaking at the event, commended President Wickremesinghe’s new initiatives to bolster the tourism industry. He expressed optimism that these efforts could position tourism as a primary revenue source for the country.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, adding his thoughts, expressed his satisfaction in inaugurating the upscale Hilton hotel in the Yala region. He noted that this move would attract energetic tourists and invigorate the tourism sector. He extended gratitude to Melwa and the Hilton Group for their contributions.
Recalling the historical significance of the area, President Wickremesinghe alluded to the ancient shrines of Situlpawwa and Akasha Chaitya that once graced the Yala region. He praised the past fertility and collaboration that defined the area, as well as its remarkable architectural marvels.
The President emphasized a resolute commitment to advancing the tourism industry, urging collective participation towards this goal. He envisioned the development of the Yala area as a unified tourist destination, incorporating nearby regions like Udawalawe. This interconnected approach, he suggested, would drive progress and further enhance the tourism experience in the region.
“Furthermore, there is a pressing need to enhance the facilities catering to tourists visiting these regions. I kindly urge both the Minister of Wildlife and Forest Conservation and the Minister of Tourism, along with their respective ministry officials, to collaborate on devising a comprehensive development plan for the Yala area. This expansion should extend to encompass locales like Galoya, Maduruoya, Somavatiya, Minneriya, and Wasgamuwa.
“The industry has to be involved, and that is a prerequisite. I have been also looking at this hotel and the area, and I thought we should also promote Yala. We will introduce the greater Yala.”
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is once again one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the country after facing the challenges posed by the global pandemic and the economic crisis that followed. The steady growth in tourist arrivals to the country and the interest shown by foreign leisure and hospitality brands to enter Sri Lanka’s tourism industry are indicative of the expansion in the industry. The many promotional campaigns in key tourist source markets and the exposure received by the country in the international media as a must visit tourist destination have all helped boost Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. The growth and business potential in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is further evident by the development and expansion programmers undertaken by the leisure and hospitality businesses that are already operating in the country. Given the steady growth in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, foreign businesses/investors could confidently explore the expanding opportunities in the industry, especially in the leisure and hospitality sectors.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20230828/Z_7 |