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SL needs to boost image to attract tourists – AKD

Published

4 years ago

2022/09/30

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Sri Lanka had to boost it international image to attract high-spending tourists, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) leader, Anura Kumara Dissanayaka said in Colombo.The government apparently believed that putting in place various facilities would be enough to attract tourists, he said. However, most people were averse to visiting places run by crooks, he said.

“Recently, the World Bank gave us some money to buy fertiliser. After giving us money, it said it was also sending a team to ensure that you are not stealing. That’s what people around the world think of us. Everyone knows we are ruled by crooks,” he said.

Dissanayaka added that for the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) was investigating economic crimes in Sri Lanka.

“Imagine you are planning a trip. Where would you want to go? A hotel that is well known for bad management? Or, a place everyone says is good. What comes to your mind when you think of Switzerland and what comes to your mind when you think of Sudan? Perception matters,” he said.

Dissanayaka said a JVP government would be capable of changing the perception people had about Sri Lanka.

“Some SLPP MPs insist that tourists stopped coming to Sri Lanka because of anti-government protests. Tourist arrivals stopped because Sri Lanka ran out of fuel and power cuts were extended. They also stopped coming because they didn’t want to come to a country ruled by the Rajapaksas. Most people around the would do not like the Ranil-Rajapaksa government too,” the JVP leader said.

Among those who attended the seminar were Udaya Nanayakkara, Former Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourist Board, Kimarli Fernando , Former Chairperson of Sri Lanka Tourism, Prof. Raj Somadewa , Archaeologist, University of Kelaniya, Dr. Senarath Dissanayake, Former Director General/ Department of Archaeology, Sanath Ukwaththa, Former President of Hotels Association of Sri Lanka and Chairman, Mount Lavinia Hotel, Dileep Mudadeniya, Vice President of John Keels Group , Head of Brand and Marketing and CEO of Cinnamon Life Mall, Nilmin Nanayakkara, Managing Director, NKAR Travels and Tours Pvt Ltd, Manik Rodrigo, Chairman ,Barberyn Reef Resort, Ajith Wijesekara, Owner, Blue Water and Water Garden, Gayan Amarasinghe, Director, Forbes Air (Emirates), Nahil Wijesuriya , Marriott Hotel, Palaka Perera, Hotelier, Priyanjith Weerasooriya , Uga Escapes, Mahinda Pinnapola , Chief Operation Officer, Hilton Hotel, Nuwan Liyanage, Senior Deputy General Manager, Neth FM, Dr. Mahesh Thiththagalla , Advisor, All Ceylon Tourist Service Providers’ Association ( ACTSPA), Manoj Meddage, President, Sri Lanka Institute of National Tourist Guide Lecturers (SLINTGL), Brandi Gampola, President, National Association for Professionals in Tourism (NAFPT), A.M. Jaufer, President, Chamber of Tourism and Industry, Donald Rajapaksha, Secretary, National Tourist Drivers’ Association (NTDA) and Manoj Wijethunga, President, Sri Lanka Tourist Chauffeurs’ Unity ( SLTCU).

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Pakistan High Commissioner pays courtsey call on PM

Published

4 hours ago

2026/05/2

Priyan

High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 30th April

Welcoming the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, particularly the assistance provided following the Ditwah Cyclone.

Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are founded on mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests.

The meeting also focused on the importance of further strengthening collaboration in key sectors such as education, tourism, and sports, with a view to enhancing people-to-people ties and creating new opportunities for cooperation reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Ms. Zunaira Latif, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

News

Ambassador of Nepal to Sri Lanka pays farewll call on PM

Published

4 hours ago

2026/05/2

Priyan

The Ambassador of Nepal to SriLanka, Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday (30th of April) at Temple Trees.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed sincere appreciation for the dedicated service and valuable contributions towards strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal during the tenure of Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali.

Both parties reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, which are based on shared cultural, religious, and historical linkages. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations with Nepal and enhancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time

Published

4 hours ago

2026/05/2

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 01 May 2026, valid for 02 May 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on the human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.