‘Despite war SL earned highest ever number of tourists last year’ says CBK
[01 Nov 2000]

“Our objective is to make Sri Lanka a hub for tourism, aviation and shipping,” President Kumaratunga said recently at the ceremonial opening of the 34^th World Congress of the Universal Federation of Travel Agents Association (UFTAA) at the BMICH last Sunday.

Despite a conflict in the north east of the country Sri Lanka managed to attract the highest ever number of tourists last year. Tourism is also the fourth largest foreign exchange earner, she told the UFTAA forum.

She addressed over 300 foreign travel agents from 100 countries and local representatives.

The President was committed to sending the right message to foreign travel agents, by promoting Sri Lanka as a relatively safe and beautiful tourist destination.

“ The international media have painted a negative picture of Sri Lanka and our biggest challenge is to erase this negative perception and I am sure your current visit to Sri Lanka would enable you to see the ground situation or the true picture for yourselves,” Minister of tourism and Sports Lakshman Kiriella told foreign delegates. 

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