• Says move was taken to ensure sustainability of hotel operations
• Warns Sri Lanka Tourism Board members not to divulge decisions to external parties

Tourism Minister Harin Fernando yesterday justified the decision to impose a Minimum Room Rate (MRR) for city hotels but warned Board Members not to divulge decisions to outsiders.

“We do have to compete with other countries, but you cannot sustain by selling a five-star room at $ 60 per night. How do you expect to pay the staff and run a business? Everyone has their arguments, but it’s for the sustainability of the business and industry,” he said at the forum to update on Sri Lanka tourism and the way forward yesterday.

He also took a dig at industry champions who are also Board members of Sri Lanka Tourism and warned them not to disclose inside information to external parties.

“I expect our directors whatever Board decisions you take, please keep it at the Board level. It is your collective responsibility as Board members. But if you’ll are not happy with the decisions and have issues, take it up at the Board level without telling outsiders,” Fernando said.

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