Fuel pass issued to chauffeur guides ‘not accepted’ by filling stations

Further hindering flow of critical Tourism dollars

by Sanath Nanayakkare

Hiring a tourist car with a registered chauffeur guide is the most convenient option for tourists to get around in Sri Lanka, but the acute petrol shortage is creating problems in taking the overseas visitors around the country as they wish, and as they have scheduled, during their stay in the country, says Chauffeur Tourist Guide Lecturers Association (CTGLA).

Ranjith Sudasingha, vice president of the Association told The Island Financial Review that although they have received a special pass undersigned by the Director General of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and the Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, filling stations say these passes have no legal validity because the authorities have not informed them of any such arrangement or priority for vehicles used in tourist passenger transportation.

“We discussed the matter with operators at some filling stations and they told us that although we produce a proper, official pass, the authorities have not sent them a circular to this effect or given any official directives to give priority in issuing petrol to vehicles carrying tourists, therefore, we urge Harin Ferrnado, Minister of Tourism, Dhammika Perera, Minister of Investment Promotions and Sri Lanka Tourism (SLTDA) authorities to issue a circular that provides details on this policy and procedures.”

“There is a mechanism to provide diesel for tourist vehicles at Ceylon Transport Board depots. For petrol vehicles, a similar mechanism has been introduced at several nominated camps of security forces but that programme is not being implemented satisfactorily. Sri Lanka Tourism’s current plans are applicable for tourist arrivals until July 10, and it is not clear how they are going to deal with tourist arrivals and required transportation after July 10. So such an uncertain situation could easily lead inbound tourists to change their mind and fly to a different holiday destination where they can spend their vacation more peacefully.”

“Tourism is one of the largest sources of foreign currency to the island. If there is no fuel, overseas visitors can’t travel around as they have planned, and the country won’t make money to buy more fuel. So the government has to do everything in its power to make sure this doesn’t happen. The two previous disasters, the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks and the 2020/2021 global pandemic, were ones we didn’t have much influence on, but the foreign currency problem shouldn’t necessarily be so. The authorities must find a solution to this before we lose the narrow stream of tourists still arriving in this country hoping that things will better.”

“Last but not least, it is crucial that authorities educate the people as well as the police about the importance of tourists and how they should be treated while they are visiting our country no matter whatever the magnitude of the crisis we are going through. The problem is one of our making, so we shouldn’t hurt their feelings at any time and tarnish the good image of Sri Lankan Tourism built over many decades. Authorities must collaborate with the media to get this message across to the people,” he said.