Home Stay Units to attract tourists

Disna MUDALIGE

Rapidly developing tourism industry in Sri Lanka has been perceived as a challenge by many countries, said Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena.

He was addressing a Workshop on Home Stay Units held at the Tourist Board Hotel School Auditorium yesterday.

He observed that many countries have now identified Sri Lanka as a country that heads towards rapid and uninterrupted development like China.

He also said that the target of the government is to let the public reap the benefits of the tourism industry without allowing a few businessmen to strengthen their powers within it. Introducing Home Stay Units is a step towards this target, he mentioned.

"Some tourists are coming to this country as explore and they need the freedom and a rural environment for their studies. They can be attracted to Home Stay Units and this will in turn solve the accommodation problem to a considerable extent. We have to build a close bondage between people and tourism, and the benefits of promoting this industry should be felt by ordinary mass.

Tourism can be developed as an alternative income avenue for many families. This industry is capable of earning a large sum of money within a short time," he pointed out.

"During an international conference I participated, many countries viewed that the peaceful environment which is necessary for tourism promotion has now been created in our country. The government's progressive work such as developing the road network and improving infrastructure facilities have also supported for this perception" he expressed.

The Minister noted that the Government has decided to renovate all road systems within Provincial Council boundaries which consist the most dilapidated roads at present. The government has already allocated money for this project and work will start next February onwards, he added. Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Dr Nalaka Godahewa also addressed the gathering.