'Tourism industry to take giant step'

Nethali STRUYS

"The government is targetting a 30 percent increase in tourist arrivals by promoting the country's cultural tourism, Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Adewardena said.

"Sri Lanka will record a great economic growth through tourism.

Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena and Minister Basil Rajapaksa browsing through new stamps. Picture by Saman Sri Wedage

"The target of 2.5 million tourists by 2016 and four million by 2020, will create one million employment opportunities and an annual income of US $ eight billion by 2020.

The Minister said so at 'World Tourism Day' held on the Beira Lake.

He said that it is the government's target to provide every one out of seven persons a job in the tourism sector.

A large number of schoolchildren participated in this event. "They are the future of the country and they will be the lifeblood of the tourism industry in future," said the minister.

The event was held under the theme 'Tourism Linking Cultures' set by the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

The main focus of this year's theme is to foster awareness among the international community of the value of tourism and its cultural impact and to gain experience in understanding cultural diversity.

Ten new stamps and picture postcards were released covering this year's promotional themes of Sri Lanka tourism including Pristine, Heritage, Bliss, Wild, Scenic, Thrills, Festive and Essence.

A Tourism Zone has been declared from Uttarananda Mawatha to Perahera Mawatha named as 'Road to Paradise' where the main activities are scheduled to take place till 28.

One kilometre paintings titled 'Colombo Wall' done by 2,000 schoolchildren from 110 schools in the Western Province showcase the Colombo city in future as seen through the eyes of children.

Hotels Association president Anura Lokuhetty said President Mahinda Rajapaksa has envisioned the future Sri Lanka as a dynamic global hub and has identified tourism as one of the thrust industries.