Proposal to the Tourist Board

Shenali Waduge

The tourism industry generates the 4th largest source of foreign exchange to Sri Lanka & is also a major source of employment for locals. However, we often see a fluctuation in the arrivals of tourists to Sri Lanka for various reasons.

As a means to sustain the tourist industry & also ensure that the employees in the tourist trade are not left unemployed, I would like to propose that the Tourist Board devise similar packages & offer to the locals especially the private sector/schools & parents.

Inspired by the program “Sara Sara” telecast on SL Rupavahini, I was amazed at the beautiful sites to see in Sri Lanka & the equally attractive accommodation available. With the private sector in Sri Lanka taking a greater interest in the welfare of their staff I would like to encourage the Tourist Board to draw up a formula (based on price, accommodation, facilities etc) & offer the Management of the Private Sector so that they may be encouraged to sponsor staff on a regular basis.

In this manner all levels of staff would benefit by an outing that would be appreciated in view of the scenic & historical value it will give. Such offers can even be drawn up & given to companies to offer their clients during festive seasons as complimentary gift packages. The Tourist Board can even undertake to offer Guided Tours depending on location or even Group Tours. In this way Tourist Board accommodation & Sri Lankan products can also be promoted & revived.

For the families of private sector employees this would be a wonderful gesture as often their educational environment & setup prevents them from seeing most of the scenic beauty of Sri Lanka.

Thus, the Tourist Board can even think of offering similar package tours/accommodation to Schools/Parents.

While the primary goal of the Tourist Board will remain working towards making Sri Lanka a preferred destination point for foreign tourists, for the purpose of sustaining the industry it would be good to include the locals as well. The price formula must be worked to suit the different wage-earning groups in the private sector so that The Management will be encouraged to use it lieu of seasonal perks, hampers etc that they presently provide. For the children such an offer of a trip to places they have not seen before will provide a treasure trove of information about their country & instill in them a feeling of pride about Sri Lanka.