Positioning Sigiriya as an iconic tourist destination

On 8 and 9 April, 

Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs Minister John Amaratunga, Deputy Minister Arundika Fernando and Matale District MP Ranjith Aluwihare presided over the program on ‘Launching of New Tourism Services & Facilities in Sigiriya’ at the Sigiriya Heritage Site as the first step of initiatives.

Also present were Ministry of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs Additional Secretary Shirani Weerakoon, SLTDA Chairman Paddy Vithana, SLTDA Director General Malraj B Kiriella and other officials.

The ceremony was promulgated with an introduction to cultural shows in the craft village managed by the National Craft Council, opening of a new Tourist Police post, launching of an express tourist bus service with the collaboration of Expressway Transport Company Ltd., awarding of licenses to trained tourist guides, certification for new tourist friendly eating places and also granting of licenses for all new tourist establishments under SLTDA’s initiative on ‘absorption of informal sector’. 

The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) joined hands with SLTDA for the issuing of new licenses, identity cards and special uniforms.