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).