Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ President Ranil Wickremesinghe has called upon officials to expedite their efforts in achieving the ambitious goal of attracting 5 million tourists annually to Sri Lanka, as reported by the President’s Media Division. These directives were communicated during a meeting convened at the Presidential Secretariat recently, where the President engaged with a committee entrusted with evaluating the progress of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry enhancement program. The committee was tasked with proposing measures aimed at positioning the country as a preeminent global tourist destination.
Throughout the deliberations, a comprehensive roadmap covering short, medium, and long-term periods was thoroughly examined to enhance Sri Lanka’s allure and comfort for tourists. President Wickremesinghe checked on the ongoing initiatives and the private sector’s role in driving the nation’s tourism industry. Officials provided the President with updates on current endeavors and emerging trends. In line with the recommendations articulated by the committee entrusted with propelling Sri Lanka into a leading tourist haven, the Ministry of Tourism and its associated bodies are in the process of formulating a strategic plan extending until 2025. Impressively, a substantial 95% of this plan has already been completed.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe also issued directives to officials to collaborate with the private sector in identifying a suitable location for the establishment of a premium hotel school within Sri Lanka. Further directives were issued by the President to enhance accommodation options for tourists visiting Sri Lanka. Officials were mandated to survey and compile a report on currently underutilized buildings and historical bungalows. Additionally, they were tasked with devising a program to unearth unexplored destinations and formulate novel projects in areas tailored to tourists’ needs.
With the objective of fostering a conducive investment climate, the President’s strategy encompasses the establishment of an Investment Infrastructure Corporation, paralleled by the formation of a decision-making council. Underscoring the significance of Provincial Tourism Boards across all nine provinces, the President advocated for the establishment of regional committees within each board. The Minister of Tourism and Lands, Mr. Harin Fernando, shared insights into several tourism promotion initiatives designed in anticipation of the upcoming Asian Cup. He underscored the untapped potential in the Central and Uva provinces, specifically highlighting the pristine air quality in the Central Province. Minister Fernando put forward the proposal to develop this province into a sustainable tourism hub.
Minister Harin Fernando also addressed issues related to congestion at airports and parks, emphasizing the focus on augmenting visitor amenities. The meeting was graced by prominent figures, including Presidential Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff, Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka; Presidential Secretary Mr. Saman Ekanayake; Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Lands, Mr. H.M.B.P. Herath; and heads of various agencies. Other representatives present were committee Chairman Mr. Kavan Ratnayaka and additional authorities chosen to oversee Sri Lanka’s transition into a top tourism destination.
