Sri Lanka Tourism introduces ‘Emergency Unit’ to facilitate visitors

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has set up a special ‘Emergency Unit’ to facilitate uninterrupted services provided by the industry amidst the economic crisis. 

The new unit has been established under the direction of Tourism Minister Harin Fernando and Ministry Secretary Chulananda Perera, while the special Emergency Unit will be headed by SLTDA Director – Domestic Tourism and Community Relations Upali Rathnayake.

The unit will be facilitated for emergency requirements of the service providers including destination management companies (DMCs) and accommodation entities that handle the tourists currently in the country and new visitors expected till 10 July.

On 28 June, the Government declared that the remaining fuel stocks will only be distributed among essential services till 10 July. Subsequently, Minister Fernando taking to Twitter announced that tourism has been declared an essential service, and the new unit was set up to ensure transport for all tourists.

The Minister also noted that the unit can be reached via hotline 1912 or 112 437759 for assistance.

All registered DMCs are requested to provide the information of the tourists currently handled by them and expected visitors till 10 July. The tourism industry stakeholders could contact the Emergency Unit for the assistance required during this period, particularly for fuel requirements.

The unit will make necessary arrangements to ensure the supply of fuel required for tourist vehicles on the move on receipt of the requests, supported by authentic information.

It will be open 24-hours till today and thereafter operated from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.

A total of 18,305 tourists arrived during the first 19 days of the month, whilst pushing the cumulative figure to 396,826 so far.