COLOMBO: In response to the crisis in the Middle East, the Government has introduced a special programme to ensure the safety and welfare of tourists and migrant workers abroad.
In view of the unrest that has arisen in the Middle East and the Gulf region, the Government has launched a series of special operations to look into the safety and welfare of foreign tourists currently in Sri Lanka, as well as to ensure the protection and well-being of Sri Lankan migrant workers overseas.
These decisions were taken at a special discussion held this evening (01) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe and Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
Visa concessions and facilities for tourists
Having considered the practical difficulties faced by tourists currently in the country, the Government has decided to grant a free two-week (14-day) extension of their visa validity.
It was also decided to formulate an urgent action plan, in coordination with the relevant embassies through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to provide necessary facilities for tourists staying in Sri Lanka and to ensure their safety and welfare.
In addition, taking into account the disruptions caused by the closure of airspace in several countries in the Middle East, it was decided that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with airlines, will explore the possibility of facilitating tourists’ return to their home countries through alternative flight routes.
It was also decided to hold discussions with the relevant stakeholders on alternative travel routes to ensure that tourists intending to visit Sri Lanka are able to arrive without disruption, and to make the necessary arrangements to facilitate their travel.
Active Operations Centres
To support tourists and migrant workers, the Government has established 24-hour operational services through several State institutions.
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority: A special unit has been established for tourists currently staying in the country, and any issues may be reported through the 1912 hotline.
The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment has established a special operations centre to provide information and support to Sri Lankan migrant workers overseas, accessible via the 1989 hotline.
In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has coordinated with all Sri Lankan diplomatic missions in the Middle East and Gulf region to establish an integrated mechanism. All missions, together with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, are on standby to respond promptly in emergencies and to ensure the safety of Sri Lankan migrant workers.
It was further emphasised during the discussion that the Government has made all necessary preparations to ensure the smooth operation of domestic transport for tourists and to take prompt decisions based on the prevailing situation.
The meeting was attended by Chief of Staff to the President Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamge, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism Aruni Ranraja, Controller General of Immigration and Emigration Chaminda Pathiraja, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Kosala Wikramasinghe, and officials from the Tourism Development Authority.
Also representing the tourism industry, the Sri Lanka Inbound Tour Operators Association (SLAITO) President Nalin Jayasundara and Secretary Nilan Wickramasinghe, together with Tourism Hotel Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) members Chandra Wickramasinghe and Nihal Muhandiram, as well as several other hotel owners, participated in the discussion.
