With a strengthened Police force and developed infrastructure, Sri Lanka has achieved remarkable progress on ensuring safety of tourists visiting the country, Law and Order and Southern Development Minister Sagala Ratnayaka said. 

 

The Minister made these remarks today (26), while speaking to media at Independence Square, Colombo, after the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) handed over 20 motorbikes and 04 beach rovers to the Tourist Police Division.

"Safety of tourists plays a pivotal role in determining the future  of the tourism industry. As a result of our efforts to establish rule of law in the country, Sri Lanka has now been identified as a place where the safety of tourists is guaranteed and that is contributing to the growth of the tourism sector. We have to strive for progress continuously and that's we took measures to strengthen the Tourist Police Division," the Law and Order Minister said, while extending his gratitude to Tourism Minister John Amaratunga and to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.

Speaking at the same event, Tourism Development and Christian Affairs Minister John Amaratunga said Sri Lanka should focus on allocating more funds to strengthen the tourism sector. 

"This is a growing industry and this year, we have shown remarkable progress. Supporting and strengthening the Tourist Police Division is also an important part of our plans. We have purchased the motorbikes and the beach rovers using our budgetary allocations for this year. We will channel more funds next year to develop this sector," Amaratunga added.