Several key decisions to accelerate tourism development

Saturday, 31 January 2026 02:42 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Government has made several key decisions to accelerate tourism development.

A meeting to this effect was held yesterday between Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath and members of the Presidential Task Force responsible for implementing the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Program.

The discussion focused on the progress of introducing a digital entry pass to streamline access to tourist attractions for foreign visitors, as well as on measures to expedite the processing of tourist visas.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the need to streamline domestic air services for the convenience of tourists, resolve existing operational issues and initiate bus services connecting Bandaranaike International Airport to key tourist destinations.

Progress on the ongoing cleaning and maintenance of the Beira Lake was also reviewed.

Discussions have also been held on how the circuit bungalows belonging to the Mahaweli Authority and the Irrigation Department can be used to promote the tourism sector and the issue of resolving the problems faced by tourists through the tourist police was also discussed.

Attention was also given to issues at whale-watching centres and other difficulties encountered by those engaged in the tourism sector.

The meeting was attended by Tourism Deputy Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry Secretary Aruni Ranaraja,, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, National Budget Department Director-General Jude Nilukshan, John Keells Holdings PLC Chairperson Krishan Balendra, senior Government officials, senior officers from the security forces and key stakeholders from the tourism industry.