INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
President Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted that the tourism industry stands as the paramount sector capable of swiftly advancing the
reported.The President emphasized the significance of substantial contributions from both the public and private sectors
He stressed that the government is diligently working to provide necessary amenities for all stakeholders involved.Addressing the audience
at the inauguration of the Hilton Yala Resort, a luxurious establishment within the Hilton Hotel Group, President Ranil Wickremesinghe
underscored the urgent need for comprehensive development in the region
The Yala National Park, frequented by local and international tourists daily, was singled out as a key area for such development, the PMD
initiatives to bolster the tourism industry
He expressed optimism that these efforts could position tourism as a primary revenue source for the country.President Ranil Wickremesinghe,
adding his thoughts, expressed his satisfaction in inaugurating the upscale Hilton hotel in the Yala region
He noted that this move would attract energetic tourists and invigorate the tourism sector
He extended gratitude to Melwa and the Hilton Group for their contributions, according to the PMD.Recalling the historical significance of
the area, President Ranil Wickremesinghe alluded to the ancient shrines of Situlpawwa and Akasha Chaitya that once graced the Yala region
He praised the past fertility and collaboration that defined the area, as well as its remarkable architectural marvels.The President
emphasized a resolute commitment to advancing the tourism industry, urging collective participation towards this goal
He envisioned the development of the Yala area as a unified tourist destination, incorporating nearby regions like Udawalawe
This interconnected approach, he suggested, would drive progress and further enhance the tourism experience in the region, the statement
I kindly urge both the Minister of Wildlife and Forest Conservation and the Minister of Tourism, along with their respective ministry
officials, to collaborate on devising a comprehensive development plan for the Yala area
This expansion should extend to encompass locales like Galoya, Maduruoya, Somavatiya, Minneriya, and Wasgamuwa.The industry has to be
involved, and that is a prerequisite
I have been also looking at this hotel and the area, and I thought we should also promote Yala
We will introduce the greater Yala.Why are you going to call these places Udawalawe, Kumana and all? These are all connected, and the
elephant path passage from Udawalawe will take you up to Kumana
have some near, I am sure, just outside Kumana before Arugambe, we can find some land for another set
Somewhere in Udawalawe, somewhere in Lunugamwehera, where those who want to can also access the Kataragama shrines.So, these are places
those two ministries, to come up with the Greater Yala concept
If you take Galloya, Maduroya, Somavathiya, Minneriya, and Wasgamuwa, you will have a unique brand
So, just have two brands and Wilpattu, which can stand on its own
have some wildlife reserves, which will be different from what you can get in other places.Additionally, an intriguing prospect lies in
establishing wildlife reserves that offer visitors a fresh and unique experience, reminiscent of the offerings in countries like India and
This avenue warrants significant attention as we formulate a new strategy to elevate the tourism industry.It is essential that we set
ambitious targets for the tourism sector, with the goal of doubling the influx of tourists to our country.Correspondingly, the revenue
generated from tourism should witness a four to fivefold increase.Reflecting on my visit to the Maldives in 1981, I recall that their
tourist income amounted to $25
Interestingly, at that time, fewer tourists visited the Maldives compared to our nation
Today, the number of tourists arriving here, approximately 2.5 million, equals the visitors to the Maldives.Presently, we charge around $200
per tourist, while the Maldives charges approximately $700
Therefore, to invigorate the tourism industry, we must not only boost the number of tourists but also consider elevating the pricing.Upon
assuming the presidency, my responsibility extended beyond liberating the country from debt burdens
I was tasked with devising innovative avenues to generate income
Unlike industries and agriculture, which require time to yield returns, the tourism sector presents an avenue for swift contributions.Hence,
our primary objective revolves around promoting tourism to generate income and fulfil the needs of our people
Looking ahead to the following year, we must not only fill our rooms with tourists but also double the resultant income.Tourist
accommodations across the nation are experiencing high occupancy rates in September, buoyed by the historic Dalada Perehara and the Asian
Cup cricket tournament in Kandy
The upcoming Christmas season is anticipated to draw several internationally renowned artists and musicians, including the distinguished
Western musician Andrey Mucher, slated to grace our shores in January.The country hosts a myriad of events, such as the Galle Literary
Festival, strategically designed to attract more visitors and generate vital revenue for the nation
Simultaneously, this endeavour should serve as a means of both income and employment, necessitating comprehensive training for the youth
In certain instances, this avenue has evolved into a gateway to international employment, highlighting the importance of collective
engagement in shaping both individual futures and broader initiatives.Numerous innovative proposals have been introduced to expedite the
progress of our tourism sector
Notably, the government is working to extend support for individuals willing to allocate two rooms in their homes for tourists, providing
We aim to harness resources to swiftly generate income and employment prospects
the President, we have executed a range of initiatives aimed at boosting tourism
Notably, India constitutes the largest source of visitors to our country, followed by China
Air travel to Sri Lanka has surged, with airlines like Qatar Airways now operating up to six daily flights.Sri Lanka has become an
attractive destination for airlines, evidenced by the operation of flights by Turkish Airlines and Singapore Airlines seven days a week
Akira Airlines from Israel plans to launch direct flights to Sri Lanka twice a week, beginning October 31
Moreover, more flight additions are on the horizon
Our domestic airlines also contribute significantly, with around 80 flights to India weekly.I extend my gratitude to all who have united to
confront these challenges
promotion is a departure from past practices and has the potential to align with current industry goals
Statistics reveal that 31% of our tourists are repeat visitors
Foreign investors are increasingly drawn to Sri Lanka due to its welcoming atmosphere
attendance at this significant event were Professor Maithri Wickramasinghe, American Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung, Secretary of the
Ministry of Tourism and Lands H.M.B.P
Herath, Chairman of the Tourism Promotion Bureau Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism and Hotel Management Institute Shirantha
Peiris, as well as other distinguished personalities, according to the PMD.Meanwhile, President Ranil Wickremesinghe embarked on an
inspection tour of the Yala National Park
During the visit, he highlighted the option of purchasing park tickets online for both local and foreign visitors
Acknowledging the arid climate, the President also observed efforts to rejuvenate dried-up water ponds within the park
Accompanying him were Minister Harin Fernando and American Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung.Also present to grace the occasion were Jamie
Mead, Senior Operations Director (South East Asia) of the Hilton Hotels Group, Josh Roberts, Senior Operations Director (Asia -
Australasia), Sri Lanka Hilton Hotels Group Regional General Manager Manesh Fernando, Hilton Yala Resort General Manager Gitanjali
Chakravarthy, Muruga Pillai, Director of Melwa Hotels - Resorts Private Limited, and several other esteemed officials, it added.
