Former Ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga slammed several invisible hands including the Chairman of the Tourism Development Authority Kirmali Fernando are taking steps to strictly regulate the tourism industry in Sri Lanka and that he believes that there will be no room for the development of the tourism sector as long as these people are present. Commenting to Youtube channel Truth with Chamuditha Mr. Weeratunga expressed his displeasure to the tourism authorities.
He said that even in the face of the epidemic, tourists were expected to visit Sri Lanka, but this was due to the strict regulation of the country. He said that although it was possible to obtain an on arrival visa for a number of countries, this situation has now been eliminated and it has greatly affected the flow of tourists.
Udayanga Weeratunga stated that the officials of the Tourism Authority are also advising the Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranatunga and that they have created a wrong picture for the Minister as well.
“There were occasions when Minister Prasanna Ranatunga also accused me. The reason for this is that these officials give wrong instructions to the Minister as well. I will not stop bringing tourists. No personal issues with Kimali.
But I am against regulating travel. I mean we need to open the doors to these incoming tourists. If there is a regulatory program in place, I do not see any progress in the future. Before 2020, there were about 3000 arrivals per day. But today Kimali has failed to bring the same number of tourists at least for a month. ” He said
