Sri Lanka, Maldives eye joint tourism program

 Industrial Export Investment Promotion, Tourism and Aviation Services Minister Prasanna Ranatunga with Maldives Ambassador to Sri Lanka Omar Abdul Razak during their meeting

• Ranatunga agrees to consider joint initiative in consolation of tourism champions
• Further deliberation to be held during Maldivian Foreign Minister’s visit in January

Sri Lanka and the Maldives are working on a joint tourism program to boost industry in both countries, Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga confirmed yesterday.

The initiative was suggested by Ambassador of the Maldives Omar Abdul Razak during an official meeting with Industrial Export Investment Promotion, Tourism and Aviation Services Minister Prasanna Ranatunga on Monday (30) in Colombo.

Accordingly the Maldivian Ambassador has suggested Ranatunga that there is great potential to develop a joint program to promote and develop the tourism industry in both countries, to which the Minister has also agreed up on.

With Sri Lanka being a compact island nation abundant with many natural, heritage, wildlife attractions Ambassador Razak has pointed out that a joint program between the two countries would be an ideal holiday plan for travellers to enjoy experiential travel itinerary in Sri Lanka as well as relaxed sun and sand retreat in the Maldives.  

Acknowledging the potential of the proposal by the Maldives Ambassador, Minister Ranatunga has stressed that the joint program could be formulated in consultation with the tourism champions in Sri Lanka.

Further deliberations on the tourism joint initiative will be discussed during the three-day official visit of the Maldivian Foreign Minister from 28 January.

Tourism and Aviation Ministry Secretary Marina Mohamed and Industrial Export and Investment Promotion Ministry Secretary Mapa Pathirana also participated in the discussion. (CdeS)