Burt assures continued support to Sri Lanka’s tourism industry

A.M. Jauffer, President of the Chamber of Tourism and Industry Sri Lanka, met Alistair Burt, Minister for South Asia in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at the Westminster House in Colombo earlier this week.

Jauffer explained in detail the steps taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to develop tourism, especially in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, through enhancement of infrastructure facilities and aggressive marketing. He also explained the steps taken by the Chamber in partnership with the tourism

From left: British High Commissioner John Rankin, Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister for South Asia Minister Alistair Burt, President of the Chamber of Tourism and Industry Sri Lanka A.M. Jauffer and External Affairs Ministry Secretary Karunatilaka Amunugama

authorities and the Ministry of Tourism in the Eastern Province with regard to investment, marketing and training those involved in the tourism industry.

Jauffer also drew the attention of the British minister to the availability of a number of tourist attractions in the East, especially the Arugam Bay area, which is considered to be one of the best places for surfing activity. Arugam Bay has now become a popular surfing destination among tourists and an international surfing competition is held annually at this location.

The British High Commissioner John Rankin who was present at this occasion pointed out that over 100,000 tourists arrived in Sri Lanka from Britain.

The Minister in response assured that the British High Commission in Colombo through relevant officers will further promote tourism and offer all assistance to the Chamber to carry on its work. The British High Commissioner in Sri Lanka John Rankin and External Affairs Ministry Secretary Karunatilaka Amunugama were also present.