John passes ball on tourist protection to industry

• Says Ministry doing utmost to safeguard travellers but industry also needs to chip in 
• Responsibility of business owners to protect destination reputation 
• Calls on proprietors to be “soldiers” in battle against ruffians   

By Rahel Kirinde

Beleaguered Tourism Development Minister John Amaratunga tossed the ball back to the tourism industry yesterday on the Mirissa issue, contending that it is their duty to ensure tourists are protected and urging them to be “soldiers” battling unruly elements.  

Minister Amaratunga was speaking at the opening ceremony of “Sancharaka Udawa 2018” at the BMICH, which showcased products and services offered by local hospitality brands.

“The tourists who come to this country place their trust in you to protect them while they are in your hotels, restaurants and other tourism-based establishments,” Amaratunga said, adding it is the responsibility of owners to ensure that no harm is caused to any tourist, or the reputation of the country would ultimately suffer.

He admitted many illegitimate establishments, including unlicensed bars, hotels, restaurants and tour guides, continue to exploit the industry. However, the Minister insisted that the Tourism Ministry and its affiliated organisations are dedicated to regulating the industry to the best of their ability.  

“As the Government, we have taken every possible measure to legitimise and regulate the industry as much as possible. In the past few days, this ministry had made apparent efforts to bring to book all those who were responsible for the disruption of the industry,” Amaratunga asserted. “The law cannot be implemented by the authorities alone, and it is also the duty of the stakeholders to assist in our actions.”

Amaratunga emphasised the tourism sector has the potential to become the leading source of foreign revenue into the country, and that hospitality proprietors should act as “soldiers in this battle against the unruly elements of the southern and western coastal area.”

“Tourists should be made aware of all the aspects of personal security given to them during their stay in Sri Lanka. We are already lagging behind when it comes to the number of tourists. Our regional competitors are well ahead of us and at this rate, we will only get the crumbs of what is left while they get the cream of it,” Amaratunga opined.

The Tourism Minister came under fire this week after he admitted he was unable to push ahead with the removal of 17 illegal establishments along the Mirissa beach, mostly functioning as restaurants and bars. They were initially expected to be removed on 1 May but after political pressure, the Cost Conservation Department (CCD), which is under President Sirisena, deferred its decision. The Ministry was pressured to remove illegal businesses along the Mirissa beach after three tourists, including two women, were attacked by locals.