Harin challenges AKD over allegations on foreign trips

Tuesday, 23 July 2024 01:26 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Tourism Minister Harin Fernando

NPP Leader Anura Kumar Dissanayake

Tourism Minister Harin Fernando yesterday challenged the National People’s Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake to disclose the funding sources for his recent foreign trips, expressing disappointment in the latter’s understanding of the tourism industry and progress made so far.

Dissanayake had recently criticised Fernando, alleging that despite his extensive travels abroad, there has been no real increase in tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka.

During a press conference yesterday, Fernando clarified that out of the 14 overseas trips he has undertaken as Tourism Minister, only two were funded by the Government. “The rest of the trips were financed from my own pocket,” he said.

Fernando described Dissanayake’s allegations as baseless and challenged him to provide evidence for his claims. “If my colleague is confident in his accusations, he should share the details of his overseas trips taken in recent months and how they were funded,” Fernando asserted.

Fernando expressed disappointment in Dissanayake’s understanding of the tourism industry’s milestones and emphasised the significant progress made under his leadership.

“Targeted marketing efforts by Sri Lanka Tourism have resulted in over 1.11 million tourist arrivals to date as opposed to over 23 adverse travel advisories from various countries when we took office in July,” Fernando highlighted.

The Minister also pointed out that when he assumed office, many airlines had ceased operations to Colombo due to the fuel shortage. However, today, leading airlines have not only resumed their services but also increased their frequencies, recognising the profitability of routes to Colombo.

“Airlines are only operating if the routes are profitable,” he stressed.

The Minister reiterated his commitment to boosting Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and defended his international engagements as essential for fostering partnerships and attracting visitors.

He urged for a more informed and constructive dialogue on the matter, rather than resorting to unfounded allegations. (CdeS)