Fernando foes meet

Tourism Minister Harin Fernando has met former Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Fernando recently.

“Had a fruitful discussion with the former chairperson of @sltda_srilanka. Looking forward to working with her to develop the tourism industry in Sri Lanka,” Harin tweeted with a picture of the two.

Harin didn’t prefer to continue with Kimarli after assuming office as Minister whilst yesterday he appointed separate heads for Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Tourism Promotion Bureau and Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management. Kimarli previously headed all four institutions. 

The meeting also comes despite Kimarli issuing what industry analysts described as a “stinker” in the form of her resignation letter after serving for 30 months as Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson.

In her letter on 23 May, Kimarli claimed it was regrettable and unprofessional that she could not meet the Minister to review progress, to guide on the best practices adopted, as the Minister intends to appoint a new Chairman and Board of Directors.

 “Two meetings that you fixed for 21 and 23 May were cancelled. Especially at this critical time for the nation, when tourism would provide the fastest hard currency benefits, the cavalier attitude you have displayed does not bode well. I hope I am proved wrong,” Fernando charged in her resignation letter (https://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/Kimarli-s-parting-words-as-Sri-Lanka-Tourism-Chief/27-735250),