Transformative Tourism Plan by NPP Presidential Candidate Unveiled

News Today: Anura Kumara Dissanayake on NPP’s Strategy for Tourism Growth

National People’s Power (NPP) Presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake has pledged to form a government that will prioritize collaboration with entrepreneurs and drive key industries like tourism forward. Speaking at the launch of the National Tourism Policy in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte, Dissanayake emphasized the importance of the tourism industry in revitalizing Sri Lanka’s economy. He highlighted that tourism is essential for generating much-needed foreign exchange, which is crucial to overcoming the country’s economic challenges.

Dissanayake stated that a long-term economic plan is vital to stabilize the economy and reduce dependence on foreign debt. He outlined the NPP’s vision for the tourism sector, which includes modernizing infrastructure, such as airports, and enhancing legal protections to attract more tourists and investments. Additionally, he discussed the need for a joint management model for the national airline, emphasizing the importance of maintaining state involvement while partnering with private sector expertise.

He further pointed out that tourism plays a crucial role in eradicating rural poverty and integrating marginalized communities into economic activities, especially in the North and East, which have been affected by decades of conflict. Dissanayake concluded by stating that under an NPP-led government, a dedicated commission would be established to oversee and facilitate the growth of the tourism sector, ensuring it remains a central pillar of Sri Lanka’s economic strategy.