NPP unveils National Tourism Policy to revive economy

Anura Kumara Dissanayake 

• NPP Presidential hopeful Anura Kumara Dissanayake says tourism key to economic recovery 
• Stresses need for long-term economic plan and highlights tourism’s role in generating foreign exchange
• Emphasises tourism’s potential as well as responsibility to improve rural economic and social conditions 
• Says tourism is crucial for eradicating rural poverty and providing economic opportunities especially in North and East 
• Pledges NPP Govt. would prioritise developing infrastructure important to sector to international standards 
• Sets out NPP plans to alleviate debt burden of tourism sector, offer relief, provide loans, and foster tourism-based entrepreneurship

National People’s Power (NPP) on Monday unveiled its National Tourism Policy, highlighting the vital role of tourism in economic recovery.

Addressing the summit NPP Presidential hopeful Anura Kumara Dissanayake stressed the necessity of a comprehensive long term economic strategy, with tourism at its core, for generating much needed foreign exchange and improving livelihoods. 

 “Tourism is the main short-term solution to recover from the current economic crisis faced by the country,” he said during the launch held at the Monarch Imperial in Sri Jayewardenepura.

 He said while other sectors must make certain sacrifices and will require time to begin to develop.

The NPP leader highlighted that Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic crisis stems from the Government’s inability to generate the necessary dollar revenue and the funds required for local expenditures each year. 

He stressed the importance of developing a long-term, permanent economic plan to ensure a steady flow of foreign exchange and rupee revenue annually. 

Dissanayake identified tourism as one of the most crucial sectors for generating foreign exchange to help stabilise the economy.

He pointed out that certain provinces, such as the Uva Province, make minimal contributions to the national economy, with an estimated contribution of just 4%. “It is clear that the economy has been developed with a focus on Colombo,” he said. Although there appears to be no immediate crisis, he warned that this imbalance could lead to a crisis in the future. “Tourism has the potential not only to keep people in the villages but also to improve their economic and social lives,” Dissanayake added.

The NPP leader emphasised that tourism plays a crucial role in eradicating rural poverty. “The responsibility of the tourism sector in addressing rural poverty is clear,” he said.

Dissanayake also pointed out that while Sri Lanka lags behind other countries, the North and East of the country are particularly disadvantaged due to the impact of the three-decade-long war. He identified tourism as a sector that can immediately provide greater economic opportunities and engage the populace of these regions in economic activities.

He said that a Government under his leadership would prioritise the development of infrastructure that meets international standards. Regarding the future of SriLankan Airlines, Dissanayake expressed that the NPP favours continuing the service under a public-private partnership model.

He also proposed the establishment of a commission related to the tourism sector, which would bring together all relevant state agencies to drive the significant transformation needed for the sector to take a giant leap forward. The NPP leader emphasised that once the target for the tourism industry is achieved, all stakeholders should be restored to their full powers.

He added that an NPP Government would prioritise alleviating the debt burden of tourism industry stakeholders by offering various forms of relief and implementing strategies to gradually provide them with loans. Dissanayake also emphasised the goal of fostering tourism-based entrepreneurship, with plans to expand opportunities to small and medium-scale entrepreneurs as well.

He said that the NPP will take on the responsibility of providing the necessary support to develop the tourism sector and called on stakeholders to contribute their efforts to rebuilding the country. He emphasised that the Government and entrepreneurs should not be seen as opposing entities, a situation that has arisen due to current Government decisions. Instead, Dissanayake assured that the NPP would create an environment where entrepreneurs and the Government align in their thinking and work together to develop the sector. He also pledged to fully implement the National Policy unveiled if the NPP led by him comes into power.