The Police have removed the signboard displayed in Habaraduwa requesting tourists to dress according to the "Sri Lankan culture" following an intervention by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). 

The notice came under severe criticism on social media and the SLTDA brought this matter to the attention of IGP Pujith Jayasundara who directed the area Police to look into the matter. 

The signboard was put up by the Community Police Unit in the Hamabaraduwa area. 

In a strongly-worded statement, the SLTDA, the governing body for tourism in Sri Lanka, said "dress code policing" was unneeded and unwarranted for tourists visiting the country. 

However, following the removal of the signboard, the SLTDA has appreciated the quick action by the Police. 

"Safety of tourists visiting the country is at the core of all our inituatives. But it should be ensured in a manner that does not inconvenience the tourists, " the SLTDA tweeted this morning.