A number of relief measures have been taken to secure small and medium scale entrepreneurs in the tourism industry from the COVID-19 epidemic, Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said in Parliament yesterday (11) that
Responding to a question raised by the leader of the National People’s Power MP Anura Dissanayake under Standing Order 27 (2) of Parliament, Minister Ranatunga said that the best solution to build the tourism industry is to open up the country for tourism.
Minister Ranatunga said that the tourism industry, which had collapsed due to the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, had plunged into the abyss with the COVID-19 pandemic situation.
The government has so far spent Rs. 72 million to provide relief to those in the tourism industry who have been affected by the pandemic, Minister Ranatunga pointed out.
Minister Ranatunga also said that providing relief to persons who are not registered with the Tourism Development Authority is an issue. Minister Ranatunga pointed out that steps have been taken by the Tourism Development Authority to simplify the licensing process and that it will be done online, and those who get registered could be considered as well.
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