World Tourism Day celebrated in Jaffna

Friday, 28 September 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Tourism Development and Christian Affairs Minister John Amaratunga yesterday said the Government was strongly considering the possibility of resuming the ferry service between Rameshwaram and Thalaimannar.

The Minister, addressing the World Tourism Day celebration at the University of Jaffna, said the Government was keen to proceed with the plan as it would strongly benefit the Northern Province, including its tourism sector.

Amaratunga also said the Palali Airport, which operated as a military airport for a long time, had been opened up for civilian transport.

The Tourism Minister also stated that the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) would soon open up a sub office in Jaffna to expedite the industry’s growth in the province.

He also requested the Tamil diaspora to return to the country and invest in the tourism industry in the north.

“Whenever I meet members of the Tamil diaspora when I go overseas, I request them to come back. That way, they will help themselves and help their community. That is tourism offers a great opportunity to the Northern Province,” he added.

The Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran, in his speech at the same event, urged the tourism authorities of the Government to tap into the full tourism potential of the north by resolving ‘bottlenecks’ in fund allocation, industry expertise and planning.

Addressing the World Tourism Day celebration at the University of Jaffna, the Chief Minister said his province had many places that could be developed into provincial tourism hubs through right strategies and fund allocation. “We need more tourism experts in our province to realise its full potential,” the Chief Minister said, adding that he had presented several comprehensive plans to the Government on tourism development in the North.

Wigneswaran, highlighting the importance of tourism industry for better revenue generation, said the scenic islands in Jaffna and other beaches in the Mullaitivu Province could be developed into major tourist attractions, similar to those in the Eastern Province.

He said although a strip between Palaithivu and Pallikuda had been earmarked for a ferry service that would benefit the tourism industry, the process had come to a halt due to Navy occupation in the area.

The Chief Minister attributed the industry’s slow growth due to external factors such as anomalies in fund allocation and the absence of inclusive planning.

“We have no reservations about working with the Government or tourism bodies of the Central Government as long as our regional rights are not violated,” Wigneswaran said.

Speaking at the World Tourism Day event, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairman Kavan Ratnayaka promised to fast track measures to develop tourism in the province, in a holistic and sustainable manner.

“Tourism, I am sure, will be the number one or two sector in Jaffna. But the industry in the province should grow in a manner that preserves the authenticity of the tourism experience it offers. You, in Jaffna, should remain who you are. At the same time, the growth of the industry should be sustainable,” he added.