Tourism Chief warns stern action against discrimination of local holidaymakers

• Domestic tourism is worth over Rs. 5 b per annum
• Says action will be taken to suspend or cancel licences of such establishments
• Stresses domestic tourism is a critical component of industry
• Reminds local holidaymakers supported industry through its most difficult periods
• Urges victims of discrimination to make formal complaint without ranting on social media

Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Fernando

Sri Lanka Tourism yesterday warned stern action on licenced establishments that adopt discriminatory practices against local holidaymakers, who bring in over Rs. 5 billion worth of domestic tourism revenue annually, with a ‘foreigners only’ policy.

“Our Constitution affords equal rights to all citizens; where no person shall, on the grounds of race, religion, language, caste, sex or anyone such grounds, be subjected to any disability, liability, restriction or condition concerning access to shops, public restaurants, hotels, places of public entertainment and places of worship. Therefore, no local can be discriminated against,” Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Fernando told the Daily FT.

She warned that the Sri Lanka Tourism Authority (SLTDA) will take action to suspend or cancel licences of such establishments pending inquiry and if found to be discriminating against domestic tourists will take steps to issue fresh licences in such areas to establishments that will serve Sri Lankans as well as foreign guests. 

Outlining that domestic tourism is a critical component of the industry, Fernando said locals have supported the industry through its most difficult period.

“The tourism industry should not forget that it was always the Sri Lankans who patronised them amidst natural and man-made distress – may it be war, tsunami, Easter Sunday attacks, floods, the COVID-pandemic or off-season. It was recently revealed that domestic tourism is worth over Rs. 5 billion per annum. Therefore, stakeholder establishments should be grateful,” she emphasised.

Acknowledging that these incidents create a negative sentiment amongst Sri Lankans about the tourism industry, the Chairperson said that the SLTDA has warned licensed establishments against discrimination of domestic travellers. 

Fernando also urged the local tourists who encountered such discriminatory practices to make formal complaint to Sri Lanka Tourism, without ranting on social media. 

“Only a few complaints were received to which we have taken actions. We need the support of the victims to streamline the industry,” she added.

She also called on the domestic travellers to be mindful of their behaviour and use of facilities, noting that it has been a regular complaint by tourist establishments. “Tourist establishments could also make complaints against guests who neither care for the property nor adhere to requirements of the entity. SLTDA will take action against such guests,” Fernando said.