Sri Lanka strengthens tourism sector with new agreements

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and the Tourism Ministry signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with four key stakeholder agencies to enhance the recovering tourism sector. 

The agreements, made with the Central Cultural Fund (CCF), Coast Conservation Department, Health Ministry, and Wildlife Conservation Department, aim to address urgent issues and improve facilities for international travelers.

SLTDA has allocated Rs.113 million for these initiatives. The Health Ministry will receive Rs.80 million to develop specialized health wards for tourists, while the CCF, Coast Conservation Department, and Wildlife Conservation Department will receive Rs.24 million for sanitary and shower facilities upgrades in key tourist destinations like Sigiriya, Yala, and Horton Plains.

Tourism Minister Harin Fernando emphasized the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration, highlighting the need for more investment and better facilities for tourists. In addition to the MoUs, the Tourism Ministry presented the first 10 vehicle permits as part of an initiative to import 1,000 new vehicles this year, including 750 electric and hybrid vans and 250 buses, approved by the Cabinet in April.