Malaysian Tourism Minister meets Premier

COLOMBO: Malaysian Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor called on Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayaka at the Prime Minister's office yesterday.

The Prime Minister told the visiting Minister that the tourism of both countries could be developed due to the direct flight facilities now available between two countries.

The Premier said the introduction of concessionary air travel rates and such similar strategies to accommodate tourists are attractive incentives to develop tourism. He appreciated the assistance extended by the Malaysian Government to Sri Lanka and said the strengthening of bilateral ties must work not only on diplomatic level but should incorporate the friendly relations among the public of both countries.

The Premier told the visiting Minister the NE issue is not an ethnic problem but a problem of terrorism which the Government is determined to eradicate as a responsible government in the name of humanism.

"At the same time, under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Government is endeavouring to build up a consensus among all stakeholders to establish lasting peace in the country, the Premier added.