Tourism Development Authority launches ground breaking e-services

Minister of Tourism Development, Christian Religious Affairs and Lands John Amaratunga launches the OTBLS portal flanked by SLTDA DG Malraj Kiriella and SLTDA Director ICT Udana Wickramasinghe

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has launched its Online Tourism Business Licensing Service (OTBLS) in order to improve the efficiency of tourism business license issuance and renewal. 

Speaking on the occasion Minister of Tourism Development, Christian Religious Affairs and Lands John Amaratunga noted that with the introduction of the new service those engaged in tourism no longer need to physically visit the SLTDA in order to obtain licenses and approvals. They can now obtain these documents from the comfort of their offices. He said this new service will completely eliminate corruption and improve efficiency.

“This service will enable tourism businesses, especially the informal sector, to apply for new licenses and as well apply for renewals and make the necessary payments through bank deposits or via credit card. Using modern technology, we have gone a step further by introducing an electronic feedback system where applicants will receive alerts via SMS and e-mail about the status of their applications and renewals. We hope to introduce many more innovative services in the near future. This launch marks a major milestone in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry,” said Amaratunga.

“At a time when the world is embracing digitalisation and our own government is placing great importance on providing convenience through digitalisation of government services, we hope the tourism industry will cooperate with us and help us to take tourism to the next level in the near future,” the Minister added.