Tourism Development, Investment Promotion and Civil Aviation Minister Prasanna Ranatunga assured the Chamber of Tourism and Industry and the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Sri Lanka to rebuild the tourism industry in the Island which had faced a setback internationally due to the COVID-19 virus when both delegations met the Minister at his Ministry on Tuesday.
The delegation led by Tissa Jayaweera Advisor to the Chamber of Tourism and Industry had a lengthy discussion with the Minister mainly regarding providing grants to 150,000 self-employed persons active in the sector. Among them are Eco-tourism guides, handicraft sellers, three-wheel drivers, boat operators, surfers, daily self-employed workers, active tour guides, guides and tourist drivers. It was suggested that a minimum grant of not less that Rs 25,000 be paid for six months for affected individuals.
The delegation which had a lively and cordial discussion with the Minister also expressed its deepest appreciation for the steps taken by the Government, health officials, security forces & Police for all, the efforts taken to face the challenge paused by the recent outbreak of Covid 19. It was also brought to the notice of the Minister that the Sri Lanka tourism sector was subjected to lot of hardships during the recent past. The 30-year-old conflict, tsunami, the Easter terror attacks in April last year and presently the spread of COVID-19 resulting in lockdowns and curfews inflicting a total crippling effect on the industry thus effecting thousands of stakeholders.
While welcoming the relief package proposed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the all party conference chaired by Prime Minster Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Chamber of Tourism and Industry urged the Government to introduce a suitable short term and long term relief package for the Tourism Industry affected by the recent calamity. The delegation also proposed the following relief measures to be adopted to support the industry.
* In case of travel agents and transport companies providing concessions to pay salaries for the employees which is the need of the hour. *There are 12 domestic flight operators whose flights are already grounded. It is requested to temporarily do away with the landing fee and the embarkation tax while providing concession for the operators to pay salaries to their employees since there is no income through operations also to grant permission for domestic flight operators to recommence flights.
* Consideration should be taken to assist indirect suppliers to the Travel Industry such as suppliers to hotels, those engaged in Eco tourism, manufacturers of handicrafts etc.
* Tourist hotels around the island are the biggest hit due to the outbreak. We suggest a special compensation package to be rolled out for hotels such as differing payment of loan instalments for one year and providing concessionary loans to pay employee salaries which will support hotels to kick start their operations immediately after the threat of COVID-19 is over.
* We also propose to provide a grant, interest free loan to support the small and medium industry involved in tourism.
As for the hotels and other premises it is suggested that a two-month waiver of water and electricity bills be granted so that it will support them during the hour of need.
* It is proposed that the Government obtain support from the UNWTO to rebuild the tourism industry in Sri Lanka.
* It is also suggested to provide a six-month interest wave off for vehicle leases and tourism related loans obtained from recognized financial institutions.
* We further suggest that an aggressive promotional campaign be carried out to promote medical tourism and agriculture tourism which has a high potential in the country.
* A providence of insurance cover to all tourism related institutions.
Minister Ranatunga told the delegation that while welcoming the suggestions from the industry, the Government will do everything possible to provide necessary support for the tourism sector which is badly hit by the present situation. He also said that he will take necessary steps to resume domestic flight operations soon.
Secretary to the Ministry S. Hettiarachchi, Chairperson Tourism Development Authority Mrs.Kirmali Fernando and Director General Chandani Werapitiya, President Chamber of Tourism and Industry A. M. Jaufer, Tissa Jayaweera - Advisor Of Chamber of Tourism Ajith Perera - Secretary General of Federation of Chamber Commerce and Industry Sri Lanka Keerthi Gunawardena - Senior Vice President of Federation of Chamber Commerce and Industry Sri Lanka UPSA. Pathirana - Secretary General of Chamber of Tourism Donald Rajapakshe - National Organizer of Chamber of Tourism N. M. Saheed - Legal Consultant Of Chamber of Tourism and Former High Commissioner of Pakistan. J. Safnas - Programme Coordinator Chamber of Tourism were also present at the meeting
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