Hon.Minister of Tourism, Prasanna Ranatunga has drawn the attention of the State Minister of Finance, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to the problems that have arisen in the implementation of the relief provided by the government to those in the tourism sector that have been devastated by the Covid pandemic. Accordingly, a special discussion has been convened next week to find a solution to these problems.The discussion will be chaired by the Minister of Tourism, Prasanna Ranatunga, State Minister of Finance, Capital Markets and State Enterprise Reforms, Hon. Ajith Nivard Cabraal and Governor of Central Bank, Prof. W.D. Lakshman, The representatives of various organizations related to the tourism industry registered with the Tourism Development Authority are also scheduled to participate in this event.

With the spread of the Covid pandemic in the country, the tourism industry completely collapsed. As a result, the direct and indirect dependents of the industry have been severely affected and a process of providing relief to them has been initiated with the intervention of the government. Accordingly, a special loan relief package was introduced and a relief scheme for payment of lease installments was also implemented. An allowance of Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 15,000 each were given to tour guides and drivers registered with the Tourism Development Authority. The Tourism Development Authority says that the allowance has been paid to 1968 registered drivers. Rs. 29.52 million has been spent for this purpose. The Authority says that Rs. 47.9 million has been paid to 2510 registered tour guides. In addition, a grace period has been provided for the payment of electricity and water bills to registered tourist hotels and other establishments.

It has been alleged that some financial institutions did not provide the relief provided by the government in providing relief for the leasing facilities obtained for vehicles engaged in the tourism sector. Hon.Minister of Tourism, Prasanna Ranatunga says that a special attention will be paid on the various issues affecting the tourism sector at the high level discussions with the State Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank next Tuesday.