Vote of confidence in Lanka tourism - Kani Manager

Shirajiv Sirimane

Confidence: The Sri Lankan tourist industry is finally heading in the right direction and this has prompted our group to remain in the country said General Manger Kani Lanka Resort and Spa, Kalutara, Abdulla Shaugy.

This five star resort in Kalutara, owned and operated by Sypriya Lanka Limited of the Maldives was to be shut down at the end of this month, as they were not running at a profit.

Since the ‘Daily News’ and Travel Financial News carried a new item stating that this resort was closing down

 the Sri Lanka Tourist Board officials contacted them. “We are happy that there is an active Minister and a versatile head at the Tourist Board and we have now decided to continue our operations in Sri Lanka,” he said. “We now see a bright future for tourism in Sri Lanka,” he said.

The hotel since they were closing had cancelled all bookings made through the travel agents for the next two months. “Due to this our occupancy levels would be low for the next three months. But as the industry is recovering fast we are expecting a minimum 90 percent for the season” he said.

The hotel formally known as Sindbad, has also invested with an English public relations company for over 2000 pounds to market the hotel and this has proved to be very successful. “In addition we have also brought down international journalists to promote the hotel,” he said.

Financial Controller, Spriya Lanka, owing company of Kani Lanka, Prassanna Gamlath said that the Ministry of Tourism has put forward a workable plan and with people like Dian Gomes in the SLTB there is investor confidence for the industry,” he said.

The hotel also operators Sri Lanka’s only outstation Spa which is managed by Indonesians and water sports Centre. “The management are now looking at investing more in Sri Lanka,” he said.