SLTDA kicks off certification of eating places in tourist zones

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has initiated a program to certify eating places in tourist zones in the country and the objective of this program is to upgrade the basic standards (facilities, hygiene conditions and service standards). 

The launching ceremony of the certification scheme for the eating places was held on Monday 19 October 3 p.m. at the BB café, Matara Road, Habaraduwa, in collaboration with Ministry of Health, Local Authority of the respective area (in this particular event it is Habaraduwa Pradeshiya Sabha) and Ind-Expo Certification Ltd. 

There are two types of certifications, namely ‘A’ Grade and ‘B’ Grade. There will be signage on road sides as well as in front the places that are certified. The launching ceremony was held under the patronage of Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs John Amaratunga and Deputy Minster Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs Arundika Fernando. 

Parallel to launching the certification scheme for eating places, SLTDA has taken an initiative to absorb informal tourist establishments to the formal sector. As per the research conducted, it is found that many of the tourist establishments are not registered under SLTDA in tourist zones. It is expected to cover main tourist zones in the island under this project in order to satisfy the tourist with a quality product. 

“It is expected to ensure that the safety of food by serving with quality and hygienic standards to both local and foreign tourists. Tourists are in regular concern of cleanliness of food and eating places. If the eating places are up to the expected standard, SLTDA do proceed with offering a certificate to such places and ensure the safety of tourists. Today we are having the initial launch of such certification to eating places. While congratulating Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, I wish them all the success to continue this program for the betterment of the tourism industry of the country,” stated Minister of Tourism and Christian Religious Affairs John Amaratunga, participating in the ceremony as the chief guest. 

“Initiating of a certificate scheme to improve the hygienic and quality of food in eating places in the country by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority will definitely serve the tourism industry in a positive manner. The rewarding milieu for such eating places which have been placed today will paves the way to other tourist establishments and eating places to follow the similar path with hygienic and quality food,” Deputy Minister of Tourism and Christian Religious Affairs Arundika Fernando stated.

“I do see this as a good start to bring the standard and quality of eating places to attract more foreign tourists to the country and betterment of domestic local tourists. Food and Tourism are intrinsically bound with each other and culinary tourism has become one of the most preferred areas of tourism in the world. As Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, it is our duty to keep up the good standards of eating places and set a refreshing atmosphere in each and every tourist establishment of the country. We hope to meet the demand of tourists for best of our capacity, as it is our aim to achieve the goal of attracting 2.5 million tourists to the country in the year 2016,” said Paddy Withana, Acting Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, addressing the audience. 

“Tourists are much concerned about the food and places they eat. This is a timely need and this event is only the initial stage of a long program which we are expecting to excel throughout the island. This will ensure the quality of food for both local and foreign tourists in long run,” Director General Malraj B. Kiriella stated.