Project Management, Youth Affairs and Southern Development Minister Sagala Ratnayaka today instructed all hotel operators in Mirissa to strictly adhere to the registration processes of the Sri Lanka Development Authority (SLTDA), the Excise Department and regulations preventing sound pollution. 

The Minister gave these instructions while chairing a meeting in Mirissa this evening (19). The meeting came in the wake of an assault on a group of Dutch tourists holidaying in the area. 

The SLTDA announced that the restaurant which was at the centre of this controversy did not have valid license. It also ordered the closure of the business establishment pending investigation. 

As a long-term measure to prevent issued faced by the industry in the area, the Minister advised to form Stakeholders Committees with the participation of state and non-state parties. He said the associations representing hotel operators in the area must have a strong representation in these Stakeholder Committees, along with state  officials and other relevant bodies. 

The Minister said the Southern Development Board would initiate the Stakeholder Committees and the first meeting would be held in Weligama on April 26. 

At the meeting, the Minister widely discussed the grievances faced by the hospitality industry in the area and potential solutions.

The Minister also stated he would update the Tourism Development Minister and the Law and Order on the progress of the meeting in Mirissa.