Sri Lanka promotes sustainable wildlife tourism

Lecture on ‘CITES and wildlife trade – What CITES does and how it links to wildlife tourism’ organised by Sri Lanka Tourism at Galle Face Hotel on Monday (25) evening (from left): SLTPB Chairman Paddy Withana, CITES Secretary General John E. Scanlon, Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs John Amaratunga and Minister of Sustainable Development and Wildlife Gamini Jayawickrema Perera

Sri Lanka Tourism took the first step in addressing one of the tourism industry’s major concerns and its impact on wildlife tourism by hosting a lecture on the theme ‘CITES and wildlife trade – What CITES does and how it links to wildlife tourism’ at The Galle Face Hotel on Monday (25) evening.

The lecture was delivered by the Secretary General of the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES), John E. Scanlon.

Scanlon was in the island to attend the Destruction of Blood Ivory Event that took place at the Galle Face Green. Sri Lanka Tourism joined hands with several state organisations including the Department of Wildlife Conservation and Sri Lanka Customs to conduct this event under the auspices of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Speaking during the inauguration of the lecture, Tourism Development Minister John Amaratunga drew attention to the need for sustainable wildlife tourism.

“Responsible and sustainable wildlife tourism is the need of the hour. CITES has spelt out how this could be done through the eradication of the illegal wildlife trade and respect for the environment, especially the flora and fauna,” said Minister Amaratunga, who also noted that the elephant was a much revered animal in this country. “The elephant is the main attraction at our peraheras and are highly revered. We have legislation in place to protect these animals. Proper implementation of the law is what is required.”

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Board Chairman Paddy Withana delivered the welcome address.

The CITES Secretary General John E. Scanlon’s illuminating lecture was well received by the audience that consisted of wildlife enthusiasts, tourism industry representatives, hoteliers, government officials and the diplomatic corps.