THASL chief welcomes removal of city security checkpoints

The tourism industry that had always awaited moves for the creation of a more favourable environment for tourists visiting Colombo, yesterday hailed government moves to remove checkpoints.

The Government has decided to remove all security checkpoints in the city gradually.

Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka President Anura Lokuhetty observed that the people’s movement would be unrestricted and would certainly enhance the tourism sector.

Hailing this as “good news” and a “great move” by the government he noted, “This is the way we have to look forward.”

Lokuhetty stated that while no one would like to see people standing with weapons on the road this would allow for more tourists to now visit Colombo.

According to Military Spokesman Major General Ubaya Medawala, the decision had been made due to the improvement in the security situation in Colombo and the Government had decided to remove all checkpoints in the city.

“Two checkpoints at Wellawatte and Bambalapitiya have already been removed and will be replaced by snap road blocks and constant alternative surveillance system,” confirmed Medawala.

He further said that there were around 10 permanent security checkpoints within the Colombo metropolitan area and all would be gradually removed.

These were set up due to LTTE suicide attacks and the security personnel manned them around the clock, carrying out checks on vehicles and persons coming into the city. The General added that these security points brought favourable results.

Founder director of Responsible Tourism in Sri Lanka Charmarie Maalge said that barriers, check points manned by security officials discouraged tourists.

She noted that tourists might feel uncomfortable if they see high security. “During the war some tourists would have perceived it positively to be more secure and safe. But today there is no issue of safety and security for tourists to travel anywhere in the island,” she said.