Minister appoints five advisory panels to promote tourism

Ramani KANGARAARACHCHI

COLOMBO: Tourism Minister Milinda Moragoda has set up five advisory panels covering important sectors in the industry to face future challenges. These panels are headed by personalities in different fields.

The Advisory panel for Hotel School operations is headed by Dian Gomes, Niche Tourism products by Tilan Wijesinghe, Cruise Tourism by Tony Mantara, Domestic Tourism by Ranjith Perera while the panel for Community Base Tourism is headed by Dr. Suranga Silva.

This was revealed by the Minister’s Additional Secretary George Michael at a meeting at the Ministry to discuss issues related to the industry. He said there are number of other eminent members in these panels who could contribute their services to strengthen the industry without any barriers.

Development of Kalpitiya Resort is another leading project coming under Mahinda Chinthanaya where 4,000 acres will be developed to construct five hundred room accommodation suitable for community based tourism. Land acquisition has been completed for this project according to George Michael.