“Tourism in a tizzy: Minister Amaratunga wants control”
Tourism Minister John Amaratunga has sent the following response to the article published in the Business Times last week under the above heading.
“I wish to inform you that the tourism industry is not ‘running helter skelter’ as stated in this article and (the industry) only sought to clarify certain matters at a recent meeting with me. I made use of this opportunity to explain to The Hotels’ Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) and Sri Lanka Inbound Tour Operators Association (SLAITO) the circumstances that led to the decision to request Mr. Udaya Nanayakkara’s resignation as Chairman, SLTPB.
I would like to set the record straight that Mr. Nanayakkara was requested to resign from his post in order for me as the Minister in Charge of the subject of Tourism to facilitate the immediate restructuring of the Bureau in keeping with the twin requirements of good governance and Tourism Strategic Plan 2020.
The request was further necessitated by allegations pertaining to non-adherence of financial regulations and internal management procedures within the SLTPB.
With the restoration of democracy and freedom of speech by this government, various associations and individuals are now free to express their opinions about decisions taken by Ministers. I dread to think of the consequences if these same people questioned the decisions of the Ministers in the former regime, especially tourism.
It must be remembered that it is my Ministry that is mandated by the government to do what is best for the tourism industry. It is the Ministry that is responsible for the fast and efficient implementation of marketing strategies to promote tourism in Sri Lanka. If I as the Minister am not satisfied with the speed, quality and efficiency of the promotional work being done, it is my prerogative to take necessary action to rectify this.
It is also the Ministry that is responsible for ensuring good governance and achieving the targets set out in the Tourism Strategic Plan 2020. I am responsible for the actions of the boards coming under my Ministry and it is my responsibility to ensure that the principles of good governance govern all their actions and transactions.
These are routine administrative functions that we regularly witness in the private sector. Unfortunately when these things takes place in a state institution the same private sector is quick to pounce on it. End of the day, adherence to government rules, financial regulations and the need for an effective SLTPB Board are what dictates my actions.
Please allow me to reassure you that the day to day activities of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and as well as the planned marketing campaigns are progressing smoothly without any issues under Acting Chairman, Mr. Esala Weerakoon, Secretary Tourism.
In fact the Digital Marketing Campaign is on track to be launched on schedule as it is now being driven by the Prime Minister’s office due to the unacceptable delays and lack of experience in digital marketing at the SLTPB. In fact advertisements have already been placed calling for bids to carry out the digital campaign. In the interim a short term promotion is also expected to be launched soon followed by the global advertising campaign.
My Ministry is also highly focused on achieving targets set out in the Tourism Strategic Plan 2020 which is being driven by the Hon. Prime Minister himself.
Questions have also been raised in your pages pertaining to funding of the Chinese mass wedding that was conducted in Sri Lanka recently. Let me assure you that no funds were released by the SLTPB for this event although it was my considered view that SLTPB should have invested in this venture given the headlines the event generated on all major global news networks and given that China is now one of our top three markets.”