Tourism Ministry Secretary S. Hettiarachchi yesterday sent a warning letter to Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson and the industry associations for their public tussle via media over the past two years, whilst urging them to focus on their responsibilities to overcome economic challenges.

In a common letter addressed to Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Fernando and Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) President Thilak Weerasinghe, the Ministry Secretary said the public battle between the two will have a negative impact on the achievement of the goals set for the sector, particularly in terms of overcoming the foreign exchange issue.

Hettiarachchi claimed that he had observed both the Chairperson and industry stakeholders criticising each other through the public and social media platforms more often in the recent past. 

“I am of the view that criticising each other in this manner via public media would seriously tarnish the reputation and the professionalism of the industry. I further inform that the Minister has also drawn attention to this situation,” he added.

At a time when the country is facing a severe economic crisis, the Tourism Ministry Secretary emphasised that it is the responsibility of all stakeholders to do their utmost to overcome this economic challenge. 

“Therefore, I wish to request you to draw your attention to the primary objective of overcoming the current crisis in the country and urge you to take steps in the future to control this contentious situation between the management of Sri Lanka Tourism and the industry,” he added.

In his letter with copy to Tourism Minister and Presidents of industry associations — The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL), Travel Agents Association of Sri Lanka (TAASL), Sri Lanka Association of Professional Conference, Exhibitions and Events Organisers (SLAPCEO) and Association of Small and Medium Enterprises in Tourism (ASMET) Tourism Secretary urged Sri Lanka Tourism Chief and SLAITO President to abstain from public fracas.

“If there is an issue between the parties which is problematic or disagreeable in anyway, I further request to refrain from blaming each other through the media and to discuss it with the Minister or with me instead of disclosing these issues to the public or social media,” Hettiarachchi stressed.

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