"The World Bank was very receptive to supporting Sri Lanka Tourism, in our efforts in enhancing the standards and the quality of operations through capacity development for our SMEs and other tourism institutions and enterprises to ensure that we can offer a delightful experience to our discerning visitors", said by Tourism Minister Milinda Moragoda.

The Tourism Minister had participated at a number of meetings where he presented his vision for Sri Lanka tourism & possible ways the World Bank could support a pioneering project involving all the stakeholders, including the rural communities & small entrepreneurs. Minister Moragoda's request had been well received by the Bank Management, which has now agreed to allocate funding to assist the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) prepare the project for further funding & technical assistance in due course, following the Bank's Board approval.  

The proposed assistance will leverage the expertise & resources of the private sector, wherever possible in Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), as well as, community based initiatives to empower local communities & small entrepreneurs.  Moreover, it is expected to address institutional & human resource capacity building needs of key government institutions connected with developing & promoting tourism for Sri Lanka.

The Minister said that the outcome of these efforts, which will build on the recent reforms undertaken by the sector, will make Sri Lanka Tourism to be a billion dollar industry in the next few years.  It is one of the few industries, which has under gone significant restructuring in the recent past, amidst difficult socio-political circumstances.

(Courtesy : Lanka Puwath )