Minister assures safety for tourists
Deputy Minister of Economic Development Laxman Yapa Abeywardena said
that the government and Sri Lanka Tourism jointly convey their deepest
regret about the very unfortunate incident that took place in Tangalle
on 24th December, resulting in the death of a tourist and injuring his
partner.
"The Police Department is conducting a full scale investigation about
this incident and so far, within 48 hours duration, five suspects
including the chief suspect have been arrested and the weapon used for
committing the crime too has been found by the police.
Special police teams and a group of CID officers are deployed round
the clock to further investigate the incident and arrest other suspects
connected to this incident." The Russian lady who was injured by the
clash, has been admitted to a private hospital in Colombo (Lanka
Hospitals) and she is undergoing further treatment now.
We are constantly overlooking her condition and have made all
arrangements to provide the best of medical attention for her speedy
recovery.
Both Russian Ambassador and Sri Lankan Ambassador in Moscow (Udayanga
Weeratunga who is currently in Sri Lanka) have seen the patient who is
recovering fast along with the Chairman, the Director General of Sri
Lanka Tourism and government representatives.
The dead body of the tourist has already been brought to Colombo and
the British High Commission is awaiting instructions with regard to
transportation of the remains to England from his family.
The External Affairs Ministry, Sri Lanka Tourism, the two Embassies
and the Ministry of Defence are fully employed in coordinating the
investigations and updating the media, public and other stakeholders
about the progress of this incident.
As the government of Sri Lanka, we take the full responsibility of
handling this incident and all suspects will be brought to justice
without despite their ranks and positions. We strongly condemn what took
place in Tangalle and express our condolence to the family of the victim
and the injured.
"These incidents, though unfortunate, have happened in other tourist
destinations in the past and can happen anywhere in the world.
This will by no means overshadow the warmth that is offered to
Tourists by our hospitable nation and people and responsible service
offered by the Tourism Industry," he said. |