Sri Lanka Tourism to introduce fully automated licensing system on 1 May

In order to cater to the growing need of new establishments in the tourism sector Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority has introduced a fully automated licensing system.

All registered establishments will be able to renew their license and obtain necessary documentation in few hours while new registrations can lodge all applications on line for  processing .

“'Our focus at present is to make sure that our services are provided in efficient and effective manner. We want our customers to spend minimum time in getting our approvals and license. This system will ensure that all applications can be handled on time as well as effectively and efficiently,” Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Dr. Nalaka Godehwa said.

The new system which will be operational from 1 May will store data of each application along with inspection reports photo graphs and other documents.

“Manuel system took long time for document acceptance and verification. Sometimes applicant had to come several times and each year same documents had to be produced. We streamlined the entire process and introduced one day service. Automation really helped the staff to increase their productivity and provide a better service for the customers,”' Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority’s Head of Standards, Quality Assurance and Investments Dileep Mudadeniya said.

Licensing and renewal is a key income generator for the organization and it has continued to grow since 2009.

At present SLTDA has over 6800 registered establishments in the country covering over 22 categories of tourist service providers. It includes tourist hotels, guest houses, travel agents, restaurants, home stays, bungalow, boat operators, tour guides, chauffeur guides, jeep operators etc.