President appoints high level inter-ministerial committee to boost tourism

President Ranil Wickrem-esinghe has appointed a high level inter-ministerial committee to boost tourism.

The move was in recognition of the tourism industry having a wide stakeholder participation and the need for well-coordinated effort to address institutional challenges that arise in the implementation of relevant tourism projects and programs.

Aimed at developing Sri Lanka as a high value destination, the High-Level Inter-Ministerial Committee comprising relevant Secretaries to Ministries and Heads of Institutions have been appointed by President Wickremesinghe under the chairmanship of Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake.

It will examine and resolve key tourism development issues that require the attention of multiple institutions for their smooth implementation. 

The Inter-Ministerial Committee comprises Tourism and Lands Ministry Secretary H.M.B.P. Herath, Urban Development and Housing Secretary W.S. Sathyananda, Ports, Shipping and Aviation Secretary K.D.S. Ruwanchandra, Transport and Highways Secretary M.M.P.K. Mayadunne, Environment Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Secretary R.M.C.M. Herath, Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Secretary Somaratne Vidanapathirana, Sports and Youth Affairs Secretary K. Mahesan, Public Security Secretary P.V. Gunathilake, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairman Priantha Fernando and Urban Development Authority Chairman Nimesh Herath.