First tourist-friendly tuk-tuk program kicks off on Monday

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) will launch Sri Lanka’s first ever tourist-friendly tuk tuk service on 30 July at Galle Face Green under the patronage of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. 

The ‘tourist-friendly’ logo is a pride mark to distinguish high-quality tourism-related service providers in Sri Lanka. The initial rollout of this pride mark will be for tuk tuks in the Colombo district. Subsequently, it will also cover the rest of the island, including other major tourist cities. 

Tuk tuk drivers who have successfully completed the training program will ceremonially receive the logo and their certificates from the Prime Minister at the event. The logo and the branding will allow tourists to easily identify the ‘tourist-friendly’ tuks and obtain their services. 

Over 750 tuk tuk drivers have been trained by the SLTDA so far, in several districts, under its tourist-friendly training programs. 

All drivers who successfully complete the program will get a special ID from the SLTDA, in addition to the tourist-friendly logo and the certification. 

The project is implemented under the Budget proposals presented by Finance and Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera for the year 2018. 

The SLTDA said the tourist-friendly program will also cover eating places and homestays in the future, uplifting the quality and standards of the Sri Lankan tourism industry. 

The event on 30 July will be the launch of the tourist-friendly logo, and will be attended by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Finance and Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera, Tourism Development and Christian Affairs Minister John Amaratunga, Project Management, Youth Affairs and Southern Development Minister Sagala Ratnayaka, and Development Strategies and International Trade Minister Malik Samarawickrama.