SL to hold int’l conference on tourism sector showcasing national reconciliation process

Ministry of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau have taken steps to organise an international conference that will provide an opportunity to showcase the national reconciliation process the priority concern of the Government.

The conference on ‘Tourism: A Catalyst for Development Peace and Reconciliation’ will be held at Pasikudah in Batticaloa from 11 to 14 July with the technical assistance of the UN World Trade Organization (UNWTO). About 100 foreigners including resource persons and journalists are expected to attend the conference.

Prominent personalities including the Secretary General of the UNWTO, and Nobel Prize winner Dr. Muhammad Yunus will participate in the event, the Government said.

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal made by Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs John Amaratunga to hold the conference as a main component of the golden jubilee celebration of the Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.

Meanwhile, the Government has felt that it is important to promote and facilitate a tourism promotional program aiming domestic tourists to benefit the rural economy of Sri Lanka through tourism industry.

A proposal made by Minister Amaratunga to implement a promotional program aiming domestic tourists under the theme ‘See, Feel and protect’ in line with the golden jubilee of the Sri Lankan tourism industry has received the cabinet’s approval.

The cabinet also has given approval to make a series of documentaries on attractive but hidden places, cultural heritage, foods unique to certain areas in each district and to use social media for tourism promotion.