• Tourism and Foreign Employment Ministers confident of boosting forex inflow
• Plans on a campaign titled ‘Sri Lanka Can’ to create positive atmosphere 
• Tourism Minister Harin Fernando says by mid-June tourists will come again
• Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara plans to introduce incentives schemes for migrant workers

Tourism Minister Harin Fernando and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara yesterday expressed confidence in boosting foreign exchange inflow to the country, whilst suggesting on initiating a campaign titled ‘Sri Lanka Can’.

“Tourism is one of the key sectors that can generate foreign income easily. By mid-June, we will bring in tourists once again,” Fernando told journalists.

He pointed out that Sri Lanka recorded the highest number of tourist arrivals of 2.3 million and generated $ 4.5 billion in 2018. However, since then, the country had not been able to reach that target due to multiple internal and external challenges. 

“At present, we do not even receive 1,000 travellers mainly owing to the power cuts, enforcement of the emergency law and fuel shortage. But we will rebuild the international traveller confidence and revive our industry as well as the economy,” the Minister said, adding that 12% of the population is dependent on the tourism industry.

Relating Sri Lanka’s economic situation to a bunch of beggars living on a treasure trove, Fernando claimed the political divide led to the crisis.

He said Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has assured that the financial and technical assistance will flow into the economy and the fuel queues will be eased within the next three days.

Minister Nanayakkara also said that they will introduce certain incentive schemes for the migrant workers to encourage remittances through the banking system.

“Currently, we receive around $ 300 million as workers’ remittances per month, with the introduction of new incentives for them if we can increase the inflow to $ 600 – $ 700 million a month would be a great achievement,” he added.

Both Ministers said they will hold discussions with the foreign envoys in Sri Lanka to strengthen the bilateral avenues to boost the forex inflows to the economy. 

“The next few months are crucial for building the country’s image and winning international confidence again to overcome the crises. Thus, we hope to launch a campaign titled ‘Sri Lanka Can’ to spread positive vibes,” Fernando added.

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