Looking after vulnerable groups is a prerequisite for attracting tourists and FDIs: State Minister

By Sanath Nanayakkare

State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said recently that a notable revival in tourism would bring multiple economic benefits to Sri Lanka, emphasizing that however, it is the duty of the government to look after the wellbeing of the vulnerable groups because Sri Lanka should first be seen in the eyes of the international community as a country that can take care of the low-income groups of the country.

“Then only foreign travellers will look at Sri Lanka as a safe and decent destination to travel to and foreign investors will see it as an investment-friendly country”,” he said.

He made these comments during a multi-TV channel programme held recently where several key political and public officials responsible for the country’s economy were quizzed by journalists.

Further speaking he said,” “Our US dollar inflows were hardly hit by the deterioration of tourism in the recent past that stemmed from the severe political instability and economic downturn. However, with the prevailing political stability, our tourist arrivals increased by 500% in the past few months. The message we need to convey to the world is that we are a safe holiday destination. And now there is a glimmer of hope for investments as well.”

“Elections are a vital fundamental of democracy. The past year was a year that disintegrated an all-powerful political power base due to the economic crisis. 6.9 million people that elected a President removed him from office. As a result, the Cabinet became null and void. And the parliament was also on the verge of collapse. In a nutshell, people’s democratic will was nullified by themselves. We are still in the throes of this economic crisis. The economy is still sliding down the slope although its speed has been reduced. Rs. 12 billion is required to hold LG elections and we have already allocated it. However, I would like to put it to you to decide whether going for LG polls at this time would be wise or not.”

“Taking care of the vulnerable groups in the face of the ongoing economic crisis would be an indispensable condition we need to create and ensure if we want to attract tourists to the country. If the people take to the streets in scores because the country cannot even provide the basic living conditions, it would send a very negative signal to the world. The government won’t allow that to happen and that’s why we are keen on protecting these groups through the measures we are taking now. If the larger section of the people is disillusioned and left behind as a result of the economic fallout, there is no way Sri Lanka can expect to create the favourable conditions for foreign visitors to come here and enjoy a good holiday.”

“When tourism booms, economic revival will become more realistic and pragmatic, foreign investors also would view Sri Lanka as a place steadily coming out of the crisis and putting the past behind it. And then other global organizations will also rally round to support us by providing us with advanced technological know-how, insights on how to optimize our productivity in our value chain, environmental sustainability practices, key partnerships etc. So, my point is; looking after the vulnerable sections of the country is a key requirement to revive tourism, attract investment and enable other positive prospects for the country.”