PCs mull take over of UDA motels

Provincial Councils (PCs) are considering the take over of all motels operated by the Urban Development Authority (UDA).

The Provincial Councils would call for tenders from the private sector to take over the management.

According to the Director, Sri Lanka Tourism, S. Kaleiselvam there are over 20 motels run by the UDA spread all over Sri Lanka. "The quality of some of these restaurants and motels is very low and this was one of the reasons to look at a management change," he said. The Hotels Corporation, which was also under Government management, was given to the private sector a few years ago and is now being managed by the Galle Face Group.

The Director said that they are also keen on promoting domestic tourism and hotels with reasonable rates were needed for this sector. It was also said that in countries such as Australia, income generated from domestic tourism is higher than international tourism. "In India too there is a strong domestic tourism sector," he said.

SS