Tourism drivers in Arugam Bay to get Govt. grant via Chamber of Tourism and Industry initiative

Around 69 tourism drivers are to receive a Government grant of Rs. 15,000 provided for loss of employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic after the Chamber of Tourism and Industry (CTI) raised the issue with Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga.

Initially these drivers were left out since they did not have the necessary identity cards and on the request of the CTI Tourism Minister Ranatunga instructed officials to conduct a refresher course and issue Identity cards to the drivers. 

Accordingly the Sri Lanka Tourism Authority along with the Vocational Training Authority (VTA) conducted the training program in Arugam Bay on 26 February.

Chief Guest was Pottuvil Divisional Secretary Sandaruwan Anuruddha. Chamber of Tourism Industry President A.M. Jaufer, VTA Assistant Director Nipuni Daluwatta, VTA Ampara Deputy Director A.A. Jabeer, Officer In Charge Tourist Police Arugam Bay IP Dissanayake and Auto Owners Association President A. Musammil were present on the occasion.