Faiszer pledges to make floating market popular tourist destination

• Believes priority should be given for local investors

As Sri Lanka has exceeded around 1.2 million tourist arrivals during the last seven months, the Government will work to improve the floating market in Pettah as the most popular tourist destination in Colombo, Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Faiszer Musthapha has said.    

“Tourism is one of the highest foreign exchange earner to the country. Hence, we should take every necessary action to uplift this industry. Colombo city will be made the best and the most popular tourism destination in South Asia and for that a favourable environment for tourists should be established in Colombo.”

During a visit to the floating market he had pointed out an open area was essential as it made it easy for tourists to buy Sri Lankan food items, handicrafts and to enjoy the Sri Lankan environment. 

“As I believe, the Colombo floating market can be upgraded to that level. I will take every necessary action through my Ministry to coordinate in this process and to make this dream come true.”

The Minister was the Chief Guest at a discussion held with the top entrepreneurs of the Tourism Industry and the Pettah Business Association. The aim of this discussion was to make the floating market a better and a favourable place for tourists. 

The Pettah Business Association requested Minister Musthapha to make the floating market a better place in order to attract more and more tourist. Accordingly, as the first phase of this programme, a Food Fiesta will be held on 24 and 25 August at the floating market.

With this program, more employment opportunities will be created in the country. It is planned to provide more Local food stalls, sanitary facilities in the floating market. Several foreign investors are willing to invest in this project. But Minister Musthapha believes that the priority should be given to local investors.