There is a need for facilities like toilets especially in places such as the cultural triangle, and also in some National Parks to be improved. There is also a need to have tourist rests on the wayside at locations at scenic sights where tourists would like to stop and enjoy the view. These locations should also be free of street urchins and vendors who could be a nuisance.
In terms of accommodation, most hotels which have star ratings don’t have standards that merit such ratings. These hotels, apart from a few, don’t maintain a good service because the staff is not properly trained, except for being courteous. For example, rooms appear to be ready for the guest but a closer look will reveal that cleanliness is an issue. Toilets are not cleaned up to standards; there are finger marks on the drinking glasses; and hidden surfaces are full of dust, etc. This is due to lack of professionalism from top to bottom.
Another example (from the experience of a friend who lives abroad and who visited Sri Lanka recently), was when the papaya kept at the buffet smelled like onions. Apparently the kitchen staff had used the same knife they used to cut onions on the papaya as well. There was no move to remove the papaya even after he pointed out the problem.
Wild life sanctuaries need trained staff and drivers and guides should be prevented from harassing the animals. Whale and dolphin watching should be promoted under proper supervision.
Chaturanga Perera,
Executive Director of
a hospitality-related company. |
E-mail
