News
Lanka placed 77th in Travel & Tourism Competitive Index, behind many of its neighbours
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Pleasure is the main purpose of over 80 percent of foreign tourists who come to Sri Lanka, Professor in Tourism Management at the Sabaragamuwa University, Dr. Athula Gnanapala says.
In recent weeks there had been several instances where tourists were fleeced by some vendors and the victims often posted videos on social media and millions of potential visitors might see them, Prof. Gunapala said.
Sri Lanka was ranked 77th in the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index, published by the World Bank, he said.
“If we look at Malaysia, it is in the 29th place. Thailand is in the 31st place, India is at the 34th place and Indonesia is in the 40th place. These are our competitors,” he said.
This index looks at 14 variables, out of which natural and cultural resources occupy only the number two slot. Sri Lanka relies heavily on these two aspects, often ignoring variables like enabling environment which has pillars like business environment, safety and security, health and hygiene, human resources and labour market qualification of the labour force and ICT readiness, he said.
“We have a number of government and private entities that work for the betterment of tourism. They need to come together, talk about the issues they face and come up with a programme. If not, we will not be able to achieve long term tourism objectives,” he said.
Dr. Gnanapala said that a large number of trained hospitality workers had left the country during the last two years. Highly trained Sri Lankan workers were welcome in other countries and local establishments must pay their employees competitive salaries, he said.
“Otherwise they will migrate” he said.
Sri Lankan authorities must also take steps to dispel the perception that the country is an unsafe place. This is a perception a large number of foreigners have about this country, he added. Dr. Gnanapala said certain western and regional media has portrayed Sri Lanka as unsafe and do not respect human rights.
“I have met Indian professors who were of the opinion, prior to visiting the country, that Sri Lanka was unsafe. However, their opinions have changed, once they visited the country. In fact, we can use tourists as goodwill ambassadors,” he said.
Dr. Gnanapala said female travellers account for about 50 percent of the total number of tourists visiting Sri Lanka and we must ensure that they feel safe here. Recently, the country was named the top destination for solo female travellers, he said.
“We must ensure that there are no incidents that damage this good perception,” he said.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake officially opened the Wax Museum established at the historic Ehelepola Walawwa in Kandy.this morning (17)
The Ehelepola Walawwa, which was renovated by the Urban Development Authority, has been handed over to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The museum was then established, ensuring the preservation of its archaeological and cultural significance.
The museum features wax recreations depicting the architecture, customs and arts and crafts of the Kandyan Kingdom, to which the Ehelepola Walawwa belongs. There are also exhibition stalls showcasing traditional industries, as well as a dining area illustrating how ancient royal meals were prepared, complete with their recipes.
Furthermore, 35 lifelike wax figures of significant historical figures have been recreated at the museum. These include Ven. Weliwita Sri Saranankara Sangharaja Thera, Ven. Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Thera, King Wimaladharmasūriya I, Queen Kusumāsana Devi, Monarawila Keppetipola Disawe, Devendra Mulachari, Governor Robert Brownrigg, Ehelepola Maha Adikaram, Kumarihami, and their two children.
It’s anticipated that this museum, designed to showcase Sri Lanka’s grandeur and pride, will be a major attraction for both local and international tourists visiting Kandy.
It’s also expected to become a centre where the current generation can accurately study the Kandyan Kingdom and its associated history.
Athula Herath, a resident of Gampola, is the designer of the museum. The project, which falls under the Ehelepola Walawwa Museum Special Project, was implemented at a cost of Rs. 300 million.
Among those present at the opening were Most Venerable Dr Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thera, Anunayake of the Malwathu Chapter of the Siyam Maha Nikaya and Most Venerable Ven. Dimbulkumbure Wimaladhamma Thera, Anunayake of the Malwathu Chapter of the Siam Maha Nikaya; Most Venerable Wendaruwe Upali Thera and Most Venerable Anamaduwe Dhammadassi Thera, the Anunayake Theras of the Asgiri Chapter of the Siam Maha Nikaya, along with other revered monks from both the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters of the Syamopali Maha Nikaya, including their registrars and executive council members.
Also in attendance were K.D. Lalkantha, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, Pradeep Nilanga Dela, Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa and a host of invited dignitaries and scholars from various fields.
It has been reported that three police officers holding the rank of Sub Inspector [SI] attached to the Matara Division Intelligence Unit and the Thihagoda and Mawarala police stations have been interdicted following allegations of misconduct.
The three officers are alleged to have visited a Spa in the Walgama area in Matara and demanded free service..
Based on a complaint received, an internal investigation conducted by the Office of the Superintendent of Police in Matara found the officers guilty of misconduct and corrupt practices.
Further investigations into the incident are being conducted.
It has been reported that indictments have been served on former Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella, his wife, three daughters and son-in-law charged for acquiring wealth unlawfully.
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