In a bid to transform Sri Lanka into a thriving tourist hotspot, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has taken decisive steps to propel the nation towards attracting an impressive 5 million visitors annually. During a pivotal meeting at the Presidential Secretariat on August 17, President Wickremesinghe engaged with a committee tasked with evaluating the progress of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry enhancement program and formulating strategies to establish the country as a premier global destination.
The President’s Media Division (PMD) reported that comprehensive plans were meticulously discussed during the meeting, spanning short, medium, and long terms. These plans focus on enhancing the allure and comfort of Sri Lanka for tourists from around the world.
President Wickremesinghe’s proactive stance was evident as he inquired about ongoing plans and the involvement of the private sector in boosting the nation’s tourism sector. Officials provided detailed insights into current initiatives and emerging trends, underlining their commitment to fostering tourism growth.
Guided by recommendations from the committee dedicated to elevating Sri Lanka’s status as a top-tier tourist destination, the Ministry of Tourism, along with its affiliated bodies, is crafting a strategic roadmap up to 2025. Impressively, 95% of this comprehensive plan has already been accomplished, according to the PMD.
Further underscoring his commitment to enhancing the tourism landscape, President Wickremesinghe instructed officials to collaborate with the private sector in identifying an optimal location for a prestigious hotel school in Sri Lanka. This move is aimed at nurturing local talent and elevating the quality of hospitality services.
To expand lodging options for tourists, President Wickremesinghe issued additional directives, including a thorough investigation into currently underutilized buildings and historic bungalows. In tandem, a program will be explored to unveil hidden gems and conceive novel projects in tourist-centric regions.
In pursuit of fostering an environment conducive to investment, the President unveiled a comprehensive plan that involves the establishment of an Investment Infrastructure Corporation, accompanied by the creation of a decision-making council. Recognizing the importance of Provincial Tourism Boards across all nine provinces, President Wickremesinghe advocated for the formation of regional committees under each board.
Minister of Tourism and Lands, Mr. Harin Fernando, disclosed that a series of dynamic tourism promotion initiatives have been devised ahead of the upcoming Asian Cup. He emphasized the untapped potential in the Central and Uva provinces, particularly highlighting the pristine air quality in the Central Province. Minister Fernando proposed the development of this province as a sustainable tourism hub, aimed at alleviating congestion concerns at airports and parks, while simultaneously enhancing visitor amenities.
With President Wickremesinghe’s visionary leadership and unwavering dedication, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is poised for a remarkable transformation, solidifying its place on the global travel map.
