Cabinet Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella addressing the media along with Director General of Government Information Nalaka Kaluwewa 

Cabinet yesterday approved a proposal worth Rs. 186 million to give an allowance to drivers and tour guides registered under the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

The SLTDA has taken measures to allocate a provision of Rs. 186 million subject to the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers for granting relief to the tourist guides and tourist drivers who lost their livelihoods due to COVID-19, Cabinet Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said yesterday.  

“Drivers and tour guides registered with SLTDA will be eligible for this provision and steps have already been taken to provide relief. The Cabinet granted approval to a proposal made by Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga,” he added.  

Accordingly SLTDA will provide a one-off payment of Rs. 15,000 per person as an allowance for tourist bus drivers, helpers and three-wheel drivers as well as safari vehicle drivers trained either under the supervision of SLTDA or any other tourist associations and applied for the concession as at 31 August.

Tour guides registered with SLTDA and trained by Provincial Councils will also receive a payment of Rs. 20,000. 

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