A series of decisions to accelerate the development of the tourism sector”
A meeting between Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, and members of the Presidential Task Force appointed to implement the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Programme was held this morning (30) at the Presidential Secretariat.
During the discussion, attention was focused on the progress made in introducing a digital entry ticket system to facilitate easier access for foreign tourists to tourist attractions, as well as on expediting visa-related procedures for tourists.
The meeting also discussed streamlining domestic air services within the country for the convenience of tourists, the existing issues affecting these services, and the introduction of bus services between Bandaranaike International Airport (Katunayake) and major tourist destinations.
Progress of the Beira Lake clean-up project, which is currently underway, was also reviewed.
In addition, discussions were held on how holiday resorts owned by the Mahaweli Authority and the Department of Irrigation could be utilised to promote the tourism sector, and on addressing tourist-related issues through the Tourist Police.
Issues related to whale-watching centres, as well as challenges faced by those engaged in the tourism industry, were also taken into consideration.
Those present at the meeting included Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Aruni Ranasinghe, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, Director General of the National Budget Department Jude Nilukshan, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the John Keells Group Krishan Balendra, along with senior government officials, senior officers of the security forces, and key stakeholders from the tourism sector.