Sri Lanka Tourism will target a revenue of US$ 4.4 billion, said Ministry of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs, John Amaratunge. Sri Lanka ended 2017 with US$ 3.9 billion revenue.
He said that the industry for this year has already shown a growth of 24% and will move from the current third position to be the top foreign exchange earner for Sri Lanka soon. The Minister also said that they have taken quick steps against harassment and physical assault of tourists in Mirissa recently by locals in the area.
The incident which caused outrage in the tourism industry was made known only through the media as neither the victims nor the establishment concerned or any other person had reported the matter to the police or any other authority. Investigations began only after directions were issued by the Minister of Tourism Development to the Tourist Police to investigate the matter following media reports. “Ever since the incident in Mirissa was first reported on Monday April 9, I have been closely following the progress of the investigations. (SS)
Four suspects were arrested by the Weligama Police on April 13 and two others on the April 15 following the recording of statements from several witnesses.
Minister said that the affected tourists would be once again called for the inquiry and all their travel and other expenses would be sponsored by Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.
SLTDA has also launched a separate investigation in to the operation of the establishment.
Minister also requested the Tourism Police to increase’ beats’ in tourism areas which in turn will help to irradiate such incidents.
Source : Daily News
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