Features
“Have faith in Sri Lanka and raise the bar for her ” – Hiran Cooray
In an interview with the Sunday Island, Hiran Cooray, Chairman, Jetwing Symphony PLC and the Chair of the Advisory Committee to the Ministry of Tourism, moots a sustainable branding campaign to position Sri Lanka as a destination like no other while encouraging the industry to go off-the-beaten-track in promoting less traversed parts of the country. The hospitality leader who takes prides in our innate skills calls on fellow Lankans to stand by the island in these turbulent times and contribute to recovery as partners in development.
BY RANDIMA ATTYGALLE
Q: How do you see the Lankan tourism picture in these testing times?
A: The situation right now is much better than it was and we can have hope. Since last October Lankans started traveling and we also started receiving small numbers of foreign tourists those small numbers keep increasing. So we see a reasonably good December and if this trend continues, from January 2022 we can expect Sri Lanka to receive a healthy flow of foreign arrivals. So from zero to where we are right now, it is certainly a positive forecast that we have before us.
Q: We have gone through many catastrophes in the past – communal riots, a civil war, a tsunami and Easter Sunday bombings. Having seen that, what are your thoughts about the challenges the pandemic that has taken an unprecedented toll on tourism going to present us?
A: This is probably the worst ever catastrophe the tourism industry has globally faced. As you said, from natural disasters to terrorism, fuel price increases, government tax increases – you name it- we have gone through it all, but nothing has brought the industry down to this level. The tourism industry contributes 11% of the global GDP and employs 10 to 12% of the global workforce. The hit on such an industry is enormous. We being an island depend on air travel and the impact it has had on tourist traffic is colossal. I fervently hope that we will not go through a catastrophe of this magnitude for the next hundred years or more!
Q: As the Chair to the Advisory Committee to the Ministry of Tourism what are your observations about the partnerships, collaborations and other initiatives promoted by the Ministry?
A: I’m happy to note that the Ministry is steered by an easily accessible Minister who is also a very good listener. He understands the plight we are in and has worked with the authorities concerned to have the country open for tourism; he has appealed on our behalf to get moratoriums extended and lobbied for the optimal benefits the government can provide all stakeholders of the industry. The Minister has been very supportive and now we are working on a tourism promotion plan. On all fronts it has been a positive effort despite difficulties.
Q: Going beyond tourism, what lessons do you draw from this pandemic for us all?
A: We can never plan for a fatality of this nature but we can be a little bit more cautious in future planning. I think all of us have been taking our health and safety for granted and the pandemic has pushed us to revisit our lives- not to have too many dreams and plans and not to get depressed when the unforeseen happens. Another lesson we learnt is about lifestyle change and building immunity. We can’t move on in the same way that we used to. The pandemic made us realize that to build our immunity, we should not only cultivate healthy food habits but we also need to strengthen our physical, mental and the spiritual well being. This shift towards holistic health is something we are working on very seriously right now and promoting among our teams with the support of doctors and other professionals because protecting yourself means you are protecting the others as well.
The pandemic also opened our eyes to the reality that the WHO has been propagating: ‘no one is safe until everyone else is safe’. Sadly, countries have not been working collectively to come out of this dilemma but on the other hand, they have been fiercely competing with each other. Everyone wants to do better than the rest and as a result we are still saddled with this variant and that. Had the world leaders come together to find common solutions, had they worked amiably supporting the WHO as well, all of us would have got out of this faster.
Q: What is your stance on travel restrictions both locally and globally?
A: I have never been a believer of travel restrictions because it has been proven futile in some of the countries. I personally think that too many travel restrictions will hinder both domestic and international development. While it is very important to be conscious of your health and safety, lesser restrictions we have, better it will be. Responsible citizenry should be the way forward than imposing travel restrictions. In terms of international traffic too, as long as tourists are COVID-free, they should be free to travel, adhering to all health and safety protocols.
Q: Some of the local resorts are being promoted as ‘overseas tourists-only’ destinations, undermining the local tourist. But the pandemic as well as the war times proved that the contribution of the local tourist to the sector cannot be undermined. What are your thoughts?
A: We at Jetwing have always taken Lankan tourists very seriously and looked after them. If we look at Jetwing’s occupancy, just before the Easter Sunday bombings in 2019, we had one of the best years. The contribution of local tourists to our business was at 25%. The companies which do not accommodate local tourists may have suffered more when Lankans were allowed to travel after the first and the second waves of the pandemic, yet who couldn’t patronize such destinations. In future I hope everybody in the hospitality and tourism sector will treat everyone equally without discriminating against local tourist.
Q: How can Sri Lankan tourism present a new image of itself by effective branding?
A: It is very sad that over the years we have never positioned our country in a sustainable way. For a small island we offer literary everything other than snow! We offer history, culture, mountains, beaches, tea, spices; you name it, we have it all. But sadly we have never branded our island and as a result we are continuing to receive low-budget tourists. I’m not at all against them, but instead of counting heads, we should be counting revenue per tourist. And if we can increase our revenue we can do well. There is a plan being drawn to strengthen promoting and positioning the country and I fervently hope that this plan will be sustained.
We need tourists not only to pay back the sovereign loans we have taken but also to filter down the earnings to all stakeholders of the industry. About two and a half to three million Lankans depend on tourism; it lifts the economy and the morale of people, hence it is imperative that we get the wheels in motion very fast from the next year at least.
Q: You have always been vocal about the need to brand the island as ‘Sri Lanka’ as opposed to Ceylon. Could you elaborate on this?
A: This is something for which we can’t find an overnight solution but we need to start discussing it seriously. We have a tendency to associate luxury with the name Ceylon and the ‘Ceylon list’ runs long from Ceylon Tea, Ceylon Cinnamon, Ceylon Sapphire etc. While branding these, we also promote Sri Lankan Tourism, Sri Lankan Cricket and Sri Lankan Garments.
Either we have to feel proud of the ‘Sri Lankan’ brand image and get on with it or revert to Ceylon once again if that is a more romantic notion. We can’t be branding two names for the same country- something which concerns me a lot. There is a lot of confusion over this internationally and there have been instances where people have asked me on global platforms what exactly is name of my country!
A: In order to strengthen local tourism, how important it is to give muscle to supporting and other complementary sectors in the country?
A: I strongly believe that when it comes to promoting a destination, the national airline and the industry should work closely together. We need to do promotions in partnership with our national carrier and there are other sectors such as garments, tea, gems and jewellery, spices, etc. that we need to promote in a bid to strengthen local tourism. When we go out and market the country, more we collaborate, more benefits we will have. Then of course supporting infrastructure such as transport needs to be improved. We also cannot undermine the importance of fostering a better sense of social responsibility and discipline among our people towards the environment. Hence, a very focused and a collaborative approach is essential if we are to develop Sri Lanka not only as a tourist hot spot but also as a progressive country.
Q: Finally, as a very positive-minded corporate leader and a Sri Lankan deeply rooted to the country what is your message to all Lankans during this time of adversity?
A: Both social and mainstream media is inundated with negative news today to the extreme of negativity superseding positivity. As Sri Lankans we need to have faith in our country. Without leaving our futures and destinies in the hands of a few, we all need to be partners in lifting the economy of the country in whatever way we could. It is very disheartening to see lots of young people leaving this country at the time they are most needed at home. I have been to nearly 100 countries and I still cannot find a better place than this island of ours. Hence, I reiterate, have faith in it and help raise the bar for it.
Sri Lanka needs to take full stock of its current economic situation and use to the maximum the potential in its GSP+ facility for export sector growth. In the process, it should ensure that it cooperates fully with the European Union. The urgency of undertaking these responsibilities is underscored by the issues growing out of the recent US decision to sweepingly hike tariffs on its imports, though differentially.
These were principal ‘takes’ for participants in the Pathfinder Foundation’s Ambassadors’ Roundtable forum held on April 8th at the Colombo Club of the Taj Samudra. The main presenter at the event was Ms. Carmen Moreno Raymundo, Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The forum was chaired by Ambassador Bernard Goonetilleke, Chairman, Pathfinder Foundation. The event brought together a cross-section of the local public, including the media.
Ms. Moreno drew attention to the fact Sri Lanka is at present severely under utilizing its GSP+ facility, which is the main means for Sri Lanka to enter the very vast EU market of 450 million people. In fact the EU has been Sri Lanka’s biggest trading partner. In 2023, for instance, total trade between the partners stood at Euros 3.84 billion. There is no greater market but the EU region for Sri Lanka.
‘However, only Sri Lanka’s apparel sector has seen considerable growth over the years. It is the only export sector in Sri Lanka which could be said to be fully developed. However, wider ranging export growth is possible provided Sri Lanka exploits to the fullest the opportunities presented by GSP+.’
Moreno added, among other things: ‘Sri Lanka is one among only eight countries that have been granted the EU’s GSP+ facility. The wide-ranging export possibilities opened by the facility are waiting to be utilized. In the process, the country needs to participate in world trade in a dynamic way. It cannot opt for a closed economy. As long as economic vibrancy remains unachieved, Sri Lanka cannot enter into world trading arrangements from a strong position. Among other things, Sri Lanka must access the tools that will enable it to spot and make full use of export opportunities.
‘Sri Lanka must facilitate the private sector in a major way and make it possible for foreign investors to enter the local economy with no hassle and compete for local business opportunities unfettered. At present, Lanka lacks the relevant legal framework to make all this happen satisfactorily.
‘Sri Lanka cannot opt for what could be seen as opaque arrangements with bilateral economic partners. Transparency must be made to prevail in its dealings with investors and other relevant quarters. It’s the public good that must be ensured. The EU would like to see the local economy further opening up for foreign investment.
‘However, it is important that Sri Lanka cooperates with the EU in the latter’s efforts to bring about beneficial outcomes for Sri Lankans. Cooperation could be ensured by Sri Lanka fully abiding by the EU conditions that are attendant on the granting of GSP+. There are, for example, a number of commitments and international conventions that Sri Lanka signed up to and had promised to implement on its receipt of GSP+ which have hitherto not been complied with. Some of these relate to human rights and labour regulations.
‘Successive governments have pledged to implement these conventions but thus far nothing has happened by way of compliance. GSP+ must be seen as an opportunity and not a threat and by complying with EU conditions the best fruits could be reaped from GSP+. It is relevant to remember that GSP+ was granted to Sri Lanka in 2005. It was suspended five years later and restored in 2017.
‘The importance of compliance with EU conditions is greatly enhanced at present in view of the fact that Sri Lanka is currently being monitored by the EU with regard to compliance ahead of extending GSP+ next year. A report on Sri Lanka is due next year wherein the country’s performance with regard to cooperating with the EU would be assessed. The continuation of the facility depends on the degree of cooperation.
‘A few statistics would bear out the importance of Sri Lanka’s partnership with the EU. For example, under the facility Sri Lanka benefits from duty free access in over 66% of EU tariff lines. The highest number of tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka in 2023 was from the EU’s 27 member states. Likewise, the EU’s 27 member states rank second in the origin of inflows of foreign exchange to Sri Lanka; with Italy, France and Germany figuring as the main countries of origin. Eighty five percent of Sri Lanka’s exports to the EU market benefits from GSP+. Thus, the stakes for the country are high.’
Meanwhile, President, In-house Counsel & Legal Advisor, The European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, John Wilson said: ‘GSP+ should be seen as not only an opportunity but also as a necessity by Sri Lanka in the current international economic climate. ‘Implementation of local laws is what is needed. Considering the pressures growing out of the US imposed new tariff regime, a good dialogue with the EU is needed.
‘Sri Lanka’s level of business readiness must be upped. Among the imperatives are: An electronic procurement process, Customs reforms, a ‘National Single Window’, stepped-up access to land by investors, for example, a clear policy framework on PPPs and reform of the work permits system.’
It ought to be plain to see from the foregoing that Sri Lanka cannot afford to lose the GSP+ facility if it is stepped-up economic growth that is aimed at. It would be in Sri Lanka’s best interests to remain linked with the EU, considering the aggravated material hardships that could come in the wake of the imposition of the US’ new tariff regime. Sri Lanka would need to remain in a dialogue process with the EU, voice its reservations on matters growing out of GSP+, if any, iron out differences and ensure that its national interest is secured.
Chit-Chat
Chiara Tissera
Mrs. Queen of the World Sri Lanka 2024, Chiara Tissera, leaves for the finals, in the USA, next month
I had a very interesting chat with her and this is how it all went:
1. How would you describe yourself?
I am a sensitive and passionate individual who deeply cares about the things that matter most to me. I approach life with a heart full of enthusiasm and a desire to make meaningful connections.
2. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Actually, I wouldn’t change a thing about myself because the person I am today, both inside and out, is the result of everything I’ve experienced. Every part of me has shaped who I am, so I embrace both my strengths and imperfections as they make me uniquely me.
3. If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?
If there’s one thing I could change about my family, it would be having my father back with us. Losing him six years ago left a void that can never be filled, but his memory continues to guide and inspire us every day.
4. School?
I went to St. Jude’s College, Kurana, and I’m really proud to say that the lessons I gained during my time there have shaped who I am today. My school and teachers instilled in me values of hard work, perseverance and the importance of community, and I carry those lessons with me every day. I was a senior prefect and was selected the Deputy Head Prefect of our college during my tenure.
5. Happiest moment?
The happiest moment of my life so far has been winning the Mrs. Sri Lanka 2024 for Queen of the World. It was a dream come true and a truly unforgettable experience, one that fills me with pride and gratitude every time I reflect on it.
6. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Happiness is a deeply personal and multifaceted feeling that often comes from a sense of contentment, fulfillment and well-being. For me, perfect happiness is in moments of joy, peace and accomplishments … and also being surrounded by my loved ones.
7. Are you religious?
Yes, I’m a very religious person. And I’m a firm believer in God. My faith guides me through life, providing strength, dedication and a sense of peace in every situation. I live by the quote, ‘Do your best, and God will do the rest.’
8. Are you superstitious?
I’m not superstitious. I believe in making my own decisions and relying on logic and faith rather than following superstitions.
9. Your ideal guy?
My ideal guy is my husband. He is compassionate, understanding and is always there to support me, no matter what. He’s my rock and my best friend – truly everything I could ever want in a partner.
10. Which living person do you most admire?
The living person I admire the most is definitely my mummy. Her strength, love and unwavering support has shaped me into who I am today. She is my role model and she inspires me every day with her wisdom and kindness.
11. Your most treasured possession?
My most treasured possession is my family. They are the heart of my life, providing me with love, support and strength. Their presence is my greatest blessing.
12. If you were marooned on a desert island, who would you like as your companion?
I would like to have my spouse as my companion. Together, we could make the best of the situation, supporting each other, sharing moments of laughter and finding creative ways to survive and thrive.
13. Your most embarrassing moment?
There’s quite a few, for sure, but nothing is really coming to mind right now.
14. Done anything daring?
Yes, stepping out of my comfort zone and taking part in a pageant. I had no experience and was nervous about putting myself out there, but I decided to challenge myself and go for it. It pushed me to grow in so many ways—learning to embrace confidence, handle pressure, and appreciate my own uniqueness. The experience not only boosted my self-esteem but also taught me the value of taking risks and embracing new opportunities, even when they feel intimidating.”
15. Your ideal vacation?
It would be to Paris. The city has such a magical vibe and, of course, exploring the magical Eiffel Tower is in my bucket list. Especially the city being a mix of history culture and modern life in a way that feels timeless, I find it to be the ideal vacation spot for me.
16. What kind of music are you into?
I love romantic songs. I’m drawn to its emotional depth and the way they express love, longing a connection. Whether it’s a slow ballad, a classic love song or a more modern romantic tune these songs speak to my heart.
17. Favourite radio station?
I don’t have a specific radio station that I like, but I tend to enjoy a variety of stations, depending on my mood. Sometimes I’ll tune into one for a mix of popular hits, other times I might go for something more relaxing, or a station with a certain vibe. So I just like to keep it flexible and switch it up.
18. Favourite TV station?
I hardly find the time to sit down and watch TV. But, whenever I do find a little spare time, I tend to do some spontaneous binge – watching, catching whatever interesting show is on at that moment.
19 What would you like to be born as in your next life?
Mmmm, I’ve actually not thought about it, but I’d love to be born as someone who gets to explore the world freely – perhaps a bird soaring across continents.
20. Any major plans for the future?
Let’s say preparing and participating in the international pageant happening in the USA this May. It’s an exciting opportunity to represent myself and my country on a global stage. Alongside this, I am dedicated to continuing my social service work as a title holder, striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others through my platform.
The formation of wrinkles and fine lines is part of our ageing process. However, if these wrinkles negatively impact appearance, making one look older than they actually are, then trying out some homemade remedies, I’ve listed for you, this week, may help in giving your skin a fresher look.
* Banana:
Bananas are considered to be our skin’s best friend. They contain natural oils and vitamins that work very perfectly to boost our skin health. Skincare experts recommend applying the banana paste to the skin.
Take a ripe banana and mash a quarter of it until it becomes a smooth paste. Apply a thin layer of the banana paste on your skin and allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off with warm water.
* Olive Oil:
Olive oil works as a great skin protector and many types of research suggest that even consuming olive oil may protect the skin from developing more wrinkles. Olive oil contains compounds that can increase the skin’s collagen levels. Yes, olive oil can be used as a dressing on your salads, or other food, if you want to consume it, otherwise, you can apply a thin layer of olive oil on your face, neck and hands and let it stay overnight.
* Ginger:
Ginger serves to be a brilliant anti-wrinkle remedy because of the high content of antioxidants in it. Ginger helps in breaking down elastin, which is one of the main reasons for wrinkles. You can have ginger tea or grate ginger and have it with honey, on a regular basis.
* Aloe Vera:
The malic acid present in Aloe Vera helps in improving your skin’s elasticity, which helps in reducing your wrinkles. Apply the gel once you extract it from the plant, and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. You can wash it off with warm water.
* Lemons:
Lemons contain citric acid, which is a strong exfoliant that can help you get rid of your dead skin cells and wrinkles. Also, as an astringent and a cleansing agent, it helps to fade your wrinkles and fine lines. You can gently rub a lemon slice in your wrinkled skin and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse afterwards and repeat this process two to three times a day.
* Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil contains essential fatty acid that moisturises the skin and helps to retain its elasticity. You can directly apply the coconut oil, and leave it overnight, after gently massaging it, for the best results.
Sun directly overhead Hatthikuchchi, Kalankuttiya, Halmillewa, Ipalogama, Palugaswewa and Habarana at about 12:11 noon. today [10]
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