More tourists for Kandy Perahera

Indika Polkotuwa and Sanjaya Asela Mathurata

Tourists visiting Kandy to witness the Esala Perahera have shown a significant improvement this year due to the firm assurance placed upon by the international community on the country's security situation after the 15th SAARC Summit, Deputy Tourism Minister Faizer Mustapha said.

The Deputy Minister said nearly 10,000 tourists have come to Sri Lanka to witness the Kandy Esala Perahera.

"This will help the country earn a US $ 8 million income," he said.

Around 5,000 tourists are staying at hotels in Kandy and suburbs. The rest are staying in hotels in Colombo, Dambulla and Habarana.

"If certain elements are attempting to discredit Sri Lanka's image internationally, the significant improvement on these tourists' arrivals have proved that there is no response to these false propaganda campaign," the Deputy Minister said.

According to the Tourism Ministry, tourists from England, America, China, Germany, France, Thailand and Japan are here to witness the Kandy Esala Perahera.