Minister of Tourism, Hon. Prasanna Ranatunga said that Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan have been selected as the best regions to promote tourism in Sri Lanka in recognition of their contribution made to the tourism pilot project implemented in Sri Lanka at the time of the spread of Covid-19 virus.
The Minister said this while participating in a tourism promotion program held at the Redisson Royal Flotilla vessel in Russia . This program was organized as a meeting between the Russian travel agents and Sri Lankan travel agents to attract more Russian tourists to Sri Lanka.
The Minister has left for Russia to participate in the Tourism Promotion Program implemented by the Tourism Development Authority of Sri Lanka.
Speaking further the Minister said,
—With the advancement of technology, transportation, etc., the whole world has become a universal village today. However, every country had to adopt healthcare practices in order to protect itself from the global pandemic. As a result, travel between the countries of the world, which had become one universal village, was restricted. At present, while the pandemic was being addressed, travel restrictions are being phased out in accordance with health care practices. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is taking steps to promote the tourism industry by ensuring the safety of Sri Lankans and foreign tourists by adopting world-renowned healthcare practices—.
—Last week, Sri Lanka became the world's fastest vaccinated country in terms of population. The first dose of the Covid vaccine has been given to 12,703,070 people in Sri Lanka with a population of 21.9 million, of which 9,137,887 have been given the second dose as well. We were able to give the first dose to nearly 60 percent of the population and the second dose to more than 40 percent of the population of Sri Lanka.˜
—Our President is personally intervening and working hard to make the vaccination program a success. Ensuring the health and safety of those people is the main objective of the government. During his tenure, we launched a pilot project to revive the tourism industry in Sri Lanka. That project was very successful. From the moment the tourists entered Sri Lanka, we were able to provide them with a friendly service, ensuring their health and safety.˜
—We have already established that Sri Lanka is a safe country for tourists. Also, there is a strong friendship between Sri Lanka and Russia. Historical evidence testifies to this. The Russian friendship was a strength to Sri Lanka, especially during the difficult times that Sri Lanka faced. Russian tourists love Sri Lanka and Sri Lankans also love the heartfelt style of Russian tourists. In fact, there is a very close bond between Russians and Sri Lankans in the tourism industry. Many Russians love to visit in the winter. I urge Russian travel agents to make Sri Lanka your tourist destination in the winter. Years later, direct flights between Sri Lanka and Russia has begun now.˜
—Sri Lanka is an attractive country with geographical and social diversity. It is rich in biodiversity as well. Known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is surrounded by beautiful seas. There are 350 waterfalls and 26 national parks in Sri Lanka. It covers 33% of the land area of Sri Lanka. You will be amazed by our natural and cultural heritage, including Sigiriya, which has been named the Eighth wonder of the world by UNESCO.—
—Sri Lanka is now ready to face the post-pandemic situation. A delegation from Sri Lanka has arrived in Russia to promote tourism between Russia and Sri Lanka. I am happy to say that this is because Sri Lankans love Russia and because of the friendly relations between Russia and Sri Lanka. We invite you to come and see our beautiful country and experience the beauty of nature freely this coming winter.˜
State Minister of Regional Cooperation, Hon. Tharaka Balasuriya, Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Mrs. Kimali Fernando, Chairman of SriLankan Airlines, Mr. Ashok Pathirage and other Sri Lankan representatives were present on the occasion.
