PM says SL fast returning to normalcy post-Easter Sunday setback

Tourism Development Minister John Amaratunga, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Tourism State Minister Ranjith Aluvihare – Pic by Lasantha Kumara

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday assured that Sri Lanka’s security is fast returning to normalcy, and the Government is focused on fast-tracking the revival of tourism.

“Since the unfortunate and tragic incidents that took place on Easter Sunday, we have taken all the necessary precautions to ensure safety in the country. Sri Lanka is on its way back to normalcy. We would now like to promote Sri Lanka as a destination which is safe for people to visit,” the Premier said, at a press briefing attended by Tourism Development Minister John Amaratunga and State Tourism Development Minister Ranjith Aluvihare, along with the tourism industry and foreign diplomats.  

He also assured that all persons involved in the ISIS-inspired attack are under custody, and that those who associated with them, numbering around 200, are currently being questioned under the provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

Focusing on tourism, Wickremesinghe pointed out that the Government has introduced a number of relief measures to the industry, and reduced rates for travellers visiting Sri Lanka.

“Many measures have been taken, including free visas on arrival, reduction in taxes to lower room rates, reduction in ground handling charges and fuel charges for airlines at the airport, and the grant of financial moratorium to stakeholders affected in the tourism industry. All these measures will make it easier for travellers, and certainly more profitable for airlines to come in,” he said.

The Premier noted that though waiving of visa fees would cause a drop in the Immigration Department’s revenue, increased tourism numbers help boost the economy.  “Firstly, remember there has been a drop in Government revenue. When more tourists come in, the economy will pick up, thereby whatever you use on that, you can make up on the revenue. Secondly, as the numbers increase that too will be looked after,” he pointed out.

Wickremesinghe stressed that the Government is looking at the tourism industry as one of its main income earners. “A large number of people live off tourism. The tourism sector been one of the biggest employment creators, and we want all of them to carry on, but at the same time we want to give the tourists a good holiday,” he said.

Reiterating that the Government is satisfied with security returning to normalcy to encourage tourism, the Prime Minister said all key religious traditional festivals, including the iconic Kandy Perahera, the Feast of Our Lady of Madhu, and Hindu Vel chariots will be held during the months of August and September.

He urged all diplomatic missions to persuade their nationals that Sri Lanka is safe to travel to, thereby lending their support to the revival of tourism.  (CdeS)