Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga

• Expresses confidence on reopening country fully by September with fast-tracked vaccination program
• Calls on diplomats to support Govt. initiatives to attract tourists
• SLTDA identifies 6,000 new tourist attractions, which will be developed as tourist hotspots

A special discussion between Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga and over 100 foreign diplomats was held recently to promote Sri Lanka as a safe and secure destination among tourists.

With the ongoing accelerated national vaccination program, the Minister has expressed confidence that the Government will be in a position to reopen the country entirely by September.

During a virtual meeting with the foreign diplomats, Ranatunga said special airline packages will be introduced to tourists visiting the country and discussions in this regard have already begun with several airlines, whilst the national carrier — SriLankan Airlines – has already committed to launch a ‘buy-one-get-one free’ offer by next month.

The Minister pointed out that in line with the vaccination program, health guidelines are being relaxed further according to health authority recommendations adding that the country is being prepared at the district level once again to welcome tourists and to offer best hospitality and experience as usual.

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has taken steps to identify 6,000 new tourist attractions and develop them into tourist hotspots. Noting that the pandemic has adversely impacted all countries, Ranatunga said his aim is to revive the industry to pre-COVID level and to attract more tourists.

The Minister acknowledged the support of Sri Lankan Ambassadors, High Commissioners and officials of the foreign missions and called on their assistance for these initiatives to be successful and to kick-start the most-impacted tourism industry in Sri Lanka.

Ranatunga requested officials to contribute to improve the tourism sector in the country by organising discussion and awareness programs with related tourism institutions in their respective countries, while also getting the support of foreign media organisations, social media platforms and bloggers.

Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Fernando and SLTDA Director General Dhammika Wijayasinghe also participated in the discussion.

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