President Maithripala Sirisena skips tourism awards show

Under-fire President Maithripala Sirisena, who was to attend a state tourism awards event on Thursday night as its chief guest, skipped the event.

The event – state honours in the tourism industry - was attended by heads of industry associations along representatives of the various travel and tourism companies.

Sources told Times Online that the presidential security division had been present since 10am with sniffer dogs and the venue had been sealed as well. A more relaxed security check was in force at the entrance to the hall and just prior to the start of the event they left.

Interestingly former Tourism Minister John Amaratunga was present on invitation and presented a number of awards at the commencement of the ceremony and left early. Former tourism authority chairman Kavan Ratnayaka was also invited to the event. They had been involved in the organising of the event prior to the political changes on October 26. (Sunimalee)