Foreign tourists unhappy over exorbitant entrance fees at Sigiriya

Foreign tourists visiting the Sigiriya rock fortress despite torrential rains complain over the exorbitant rates charged from them. Foreigners now are required to pay Rs.11,772 whereas locals pay Rs.120 to visit Sigiriya.

Previously, foreign tourists were charged US 30 dollars but due to VAT increase the amount has been increased to US 36 dollars. The Rs.100 ticket price for local tourists has increased by Rs.20. 

Tourists guides complain that due to high rates for tourists many are reluctant to visit the fortress but do a bit of sightseeing in and around the rock. 

They said officers at the counters are also unable to give the balance in dollars, leaving tourists to struggle to pay either by rupees or credit/debit cards. The tickets issued do not mention any VAT addition as well, they said.

Chairman of the Sigiriya Tour Guides Association Saman Moremada said the decision to increase charges have caused inconvenience to both tour guides and foreign tourists. 

Pix and story by our Dambulla correspondent Kanchana Ariyadasa