In a strategic move to elevate Sri Lanka's tourism sector, Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando convened a meeting with the heads of the armed forces and the police on Friday.
According to a statement from the Department of Government Information, the collaborative effort aims to introduce diverse experiences and enhance the overall tourism business in the country.
Key outcomes of the meeting include plans for the police to ensure the safety of tourists, the air force to expand domestic flights across the island, the navy's involvement in developing marine tourism, and the army's initiation of a life-saving program. These measures are anticipated to contribute significantly to the growth of the tourism industry.
Sri Lanka, keen on promoting tourism as a crucial foreign exchange source, has grappled with infrastructure challenges and bureaucratic hurdles. However, adopting an inclusive approach, the government is now engaging all relevant stakeholders to address these issues and propel the tourism sector forward.
Despite being surrounded by the sea, Sri Lanka currently lacks a domestic yacht culture and yacht-based tourism activities such as liveaboard diving cruises. The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, led by Managing Director Nalin Perera, is actively working to eliminate barriers hindering marine tourism.
