The  Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Economic and Physical Plans in Sri Lanka discussed the government’s goal to attract five million tourists to the country in the year 2024.

The matter was discussed along with the simultaneous preparation of infrastructure development at a Committee meeting held on 08 December, under the Chairmanship of Mahindananda Aluthgamage.

Addressing the Committee, officials of the Ministry of Tourism and Lands mentioned that they have planned to implement the Home Stay concept, while officials also pointed out that plans have been made to bring wealthy tourists to Sri Lanka in the coming year.

Furthermore, in order to attract more tourists to Sri Lanka, the Committee pointed out that the general society of Sri Lanka should be prepared to welcome such tourists in a respectful manner, as opposed to cheating them out of their money. The officials pointed out that training programs are already being conducted in selected areas.

Furthermore, the Committee also pointed out that it is important to identify the places with tourist attractions at the local level and prepare methods to promote them.

In addition, approval was given following consideration of the 2022 annual report of the Ministry of Tourism and Lands, the 2020 annual report of the Tourism Promotion Bureau, the 2022 annual report of the Ministry of Industry and the 2022 annual report of the Registrar of Companies Department, the 2019/2020 annual reports of Kahatagaha Graphite Lanka Limited, the 2021/2022 annual reports of Lanka Phosphate Limited, the 2020 annual report of the Sri Lanka Institute of Textile and Apparel.

Members of Parliament, Eran Wickramaratne, Ashok Abeysinghe, Sudath Manjula, Madhura Withanage and Gunathilaka Rajapaksha were present at the said meeting.