News
Tourism Minister admits protocols violated, claims Opposition undermining bid to revive tourism industry
Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga addressing the media. (R) Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairperson Kirmali Fernando.
BIA to reopen on Jan 21
By Harischandra Gunaratna
Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga yesterday alleged that there were certain MPs in the Opposition who were hell bent on undermining the vital tourism sector while the government was doing everything possible to resurrect the pandemic-hit industry.
“The Opposition is trying to use the industry personnel as scapegoats to meet their political ends,” Ranatunga said, adding those politicians didn’t want the industry to flourish again.
Addressing the media at the Ceylon Hotel School, the Minister said the need of the hour was to explore the opportunities available and woo holidaymakers from every possible country to support the tourism industry which was in dire straits.
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairperson Kirmali Fernando was of the opinion that “We have to start somewhere as any delays would result in our losing what we are to gain.”
It was the responsibility of all stakeholders and each and every one had to cooperate and make concerted efforts to reach that goal, the SLTDA Chairman said.
Responding to queries about proper protocols and guidelines had not been followed where the Ukrainian holidaymakers currently visiting Sri Lanka were concerned, Ranatunga accepted that there were certain shortcomings and they would be rectified.
Asked whether Udayanga Weeratunga, Sri Lanka’s former Ambassador to Russia and the person responsible for organising the Ukranian charter flights to SriLanka had flouted the health guidelines by not following protocols, Ranatunga said if so he too had to be tested.
Ranatunga denied claims that benefits reaped by the industry were not equally distributed among all, but only certain companies and individuals were favoured.
The SLTDA Chairperson defended Tourism Ministry’s decision to invite tourists from Ukraine claiming that only two were tested positive of those who arrived in the two flights from Ukraine so far.
She said the BIA would be reopened on January 21.
The second day of the “Vesak Bhakti Gee Saraniya”, held in parallel with the “Buddha Rashmi Vesak Kalapaya” jointly organized by the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, the Presidential Secretariat and the Prime Minister’s Office, commenced on Tuesday (13) at 6:30 p.m. under the patronage of Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, at the Presidential Secretariat premises.
The evening featured musical performances by renowned vocalist Ilyas Beg and the Sri Lanka Air Force Bhakti Gee Troup, accompanied by the Air Force Band. A Vesak lantern exhibition was also held at the venue. The event was attended by the Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, along with several senior officials of the Presidential Secretariat.
This Bhakthi Gee programme will continue today [May 14] and tomorrow at the same location. Additionally, a short-eats dansala is being held near the Presidential Secretariat for the benefit of the public visiting Colombo for Vesak, and will continue until May 16.
Meanwhile, a ‘Buth Dansala’ organized jointly by the Presidential Secretariat and the Sri Lanka Army was inaugurated yesterday near the Presidential Secretariat, with the participation of senior military officers. A large number of devotees from across the country attended the event.
In line with the ‘Buddha Rashmi’ and ‘Bauddhaloka Vesak Kalapya’, several Vesak programmes have been organized in the vicinity with the support of the Presidential Secretariat. These include the illumination of nearby government buildings and roads with decorative lights, and the display of Vesak lanterns, with the active participation of the Presidential Secretariat staff.
[PMD]
The French Navy Ship ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ which arrived in Sri Lanka on a goodwill visit (09 May 25), departed the island on Tuesday (13 May).
The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ visited some tourist attractions in the country. In addition, the Commanding Officer and a group of
crew members of the ship called on senior officers of the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO) to discuss key hydrographic matters of bilateral importance.
News
“Clean Sri Lanka” joins hands to Improve facilities and sanitation at Kotmale Regional Hospital
Following the bus accident in the Garandiella area of Kotmale, a large number of injured individuals were admitted to the Kotmale Regional Hospital for treatment. In response, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme has collaborated to improve the facilities and sanitation of the hospital.
Accordingly, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme actively worked to clean the hospital ward complex and the hospital premises, aiming to create a comfortable environment for the patients’ treatment and to enhance other facilities.
A notable aspect was the voluntary participation of the local community in this effort. The “Clean Sri Lanka” secretariat appreciates the dedication shown by the doctors and hospital staff of the Kotmale Regional Hospital, who provided emergency treatment to those injured in this unexpected incident despite having access to limited resources.
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