The Government’s five-year long strategic plan for development and sustainability of the tourism sector was disclosed by the Ministry of Economic Development yesterday (September 5).

According to Dr. Nalaka Godahewa the Chairman of Sir Lanka Tourism Development Authority, measures will be taken to develop relevant areas in the tourism industry for Sri Lanka to achieve its goal of 2.5 million tourists by 2016 with revenue of more than US$ 2.75 billion. Some of these areas will seek the assistance of the private sector, he said.

"The government was expecting to attract more than US$ 3 billion in foreign direct investment to support the industry that needs to add around 22,500 additional rooms to its current capacity. According to the strategic plan, we expect investments from the private sector to amount to more than US$ 500 billion by 2020 while the public sector would invest close to US$ 20 million," he added.

Measures will be taken to attract high-spending tourists, expanding the current market to achieve a target of US$ 2.75 billion in revenue while creating more than 500,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.

The Government expects to attract more than four million tourists by 2020 with the foreign earnings expected to reach US$ 8 billion.

Dr. Godahewa said that tourism in Sri Lanka will be marketed under eight themes showcasing Sri Lanka as a coveted tourist destination. Cabinet has appointed a committee to evaluate the procedures of several line agencies to create a conducive atmosphere for investment in the tourism sector, he added.