“Tourism industry must continue long-term blueprint for development”: Harin

Tourism Minister Harin Fernando said Sri Lanka must continue to be on a long-term blueprint for a sustainable development in the sector.

Tourism Minister Harin Fernando

“Sri Lanka tourism industry must have a blueprint and policies in place to overcome issues, rather than implementing various projects every time a new Minister takes up the portfolio,” he said at an event in Aluthgama.

He opined ad-hoc policies should not be implemented without completing existing projects outlined in a plan. 

Minister Fernando also confirmed that several initiatives have been implemented to resolve the issues directly affecting the tourism industry stakeholders.

These include distribution of fuel to all stakeholders and implementation of the soft liquor license. 

He said a Cabinet paper was tabled to purchase a mobile fuel dispenser through the funds of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). 

In addition, the Ministry is working towards enabling the tourism industry, to obtain fuel from 10 fuel stations countrywide, adding that a program was already implemented to enable those engaged in the industry to obtain petrol from Sri Lanka Army camps while diesel could be obtained through Sri Lanka Transport Board depots as  tourism has been made an essential service.

Minister Fernando also said the Government could implement the soft liquor license, which never moved past the discussion stage during previous administrations.