Prasanna to amend labour laws affecting those in the tourism sector

Tuesday, 30 November 2021 02:14 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga says that he expects to amend the labour laws affecting those engaged in the tourism sector next year and that discussions will be held with the Ministry of Labour to make the necessary arrangements.

He was speaking at the 41st Annual Diploma Ceremony of the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management (SLITHM) held at the Colombo International Memorial Conference Hall on the 27 November.

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, it was not possible to award diplomas for 2019. This year, diplomas were awarded to students graduated in both 2019 and 2020.

Speaking further, Minister Ranatunga said the tourism industry was at a critical juncture. “Many people in the sector are now suffering due to the COVID pandemic. Many countries around the world are systematically opening up after the pandemic. Our country is also now open to tourists and the tourism industry is gradually gaining momentum.

“The number of people directly and indirectly dependent on the tourism industry in our country is around 3 million. It is our responsibility to protect those in this field. That is what we are working for. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's ‘Vistas of Prosperity’ policy statement clearly highlights the human resource management of the tourism industry. Accordingly, we are working to transform the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management into a Graduate Higher Educational Institution. We also obtained Cabinet approval for that. To this end, we hope to amend Act No. 38 of 2005, which is currently in effect. It has already been referred to the Legal Draftsman's Division. We hope to introduce degree or higher education courses to those in the region who are interested in doing so. We hope to make the necessary arrangements for this in the first quarter of next year.”

He also said the tourism industry had become a risky industry. “Whether it is the floods, tsunamis or bomb blasts, or a global pandemic, tourism sector becomes vulnerable.”