Tourism industry hails end of Emergency

By Charumini de Silva

The tourism industry has welcomed the Government decision to end the four-month-long State of Emergency imposed after the Easter Sunday terror attacks.

They said the move will give confidence, stability to all visitors and airlines.

Speaking to Daily FT, The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) President Sanath Ukwatte said the industry welcomes the removal of Emergency as it gives everyone the opportunity to lead their normal lives and offers stability and confidence for visitors, corporate travellers and the airlines operating to the country. 

“However, we should ensure that the national security procedures are operating at optimal levels at all times and that security protocols are not compromised in any way, as this is vital for the safety of Sri Lanka, it’s people and visitors,” Ukwatte added.

The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Travel Operators (SLAITO) President Harith Perera also welcomed the Government decision to remove State of Emergency.

Even though the removal of State of Emergency will help to marginalise the negative impact of 21/4, Perera pointed out that the industry desperately needs support from the Sri Lanka tourism with accelerated marketing and promotions, while also fully implementing the relief package announced by the Government. 

Defence Secretary Shantha Kottegoda last Friday said that the State of Emergency will not be extended further. President Maithripala Sirisena has been extending the Emergency on the 22nd of each month. However President as the Defence Minister had not extended it for another term and thereby allowed the Emergency to end on 22 August. 

The Government used the Emergency as it tightened security across the country and hunted members of a local jihadist group which was held responsible for the attacks and which claimed allegiance to the Islamic State group. 

However, Police Spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said the lifting State of Emergency would not affect investigations, arrests and detention of those involved in terrorist activities.