The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) together with the One Industry One Voice yesterday welcomed the initiative taken by the Government to relax health protocols keeping in mind the safety of the public and the tourist.

“We are confident that this will help us to revive the tourism industry in time for the upcoming winter season,” they said in a statement.

They also expressed hope that the Government would consider reinstating the online visa system which was in existence prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The online visa system of Sri Lanka has been rated as one of the best in Asia,” they said.

“This will no doubt help us to not only boost tourism but also bring in much-needed foreign currency to the country. Tourism is the only industry that is capable of bringing in the much-needed currency fast,” SLAITO and One Industry One Voice said.

They also expressed their gratitude to Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, Tourism Secretary S. Hettiarachchi, Health Secretary Dr. S.H. Munasinghe, Health Services Director General Dr. Asela Gunawardena and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Director General Dhammika Wijayasinghe for their untiring efforts, which they opined would ensure a quick revival of tourism. 

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