President Maithripala Sirisena says that the government is responsible for working towards recovering and re establishing the tourism industry and the hotel chains and other business sectors that were badly affected due to the recent terrorist attack.
A Cabinet Sub-Committee will be appointed at the Cabinet meeting tomorrow to inquire on the future steps to be taken towards the development of the field of tourism, said the President.
The President said that discussions will be held at the Cabinet meeting on providing monetary aid under more flexible systems and providing reliefs.
President Sirisena assured that terrorism can be defeated. It will firmly done and there is a potential to do so, said the President. Terrorists are being tackled Island wide and measure are being taken to eradicate terrorism, while he has kept his sole faith on the security forces of the Island and the missions carried on against terrorism are no way facing any setbacks. Since no one should have any kind of unnecessary fear and daily activities of the country are being carried oot in a normal manner, President emphasized.
The President said that if there is a need for the security within the field of business the government is ready to provide a security program. The fullest assistance and facilities will be provided to those who are involved in the business field to recover their businesses. Any request regarding that can be made by meeting him personally, said the President. Until these matters are being properly resolved he expects to meet the business personnel every two week’s time to hold discussions.
The President, who appreciates the special support provided by the tourism field to empower the national economy, expressed his regret to the business community that was disturbed due to the tragic incidents that took place.
The President further mentioned that at this tragic incident faced by the country we should not point our finger towards anyone but contribute to uplift the national peace and recover the country.
The business community presented certain suggestions regarding how to recover the country from this chaotic situation that took place and made suggestions and steps to be taken to recover the tourism and hotel industry.
Business tycoon Harry Jayawardena, presenting ides said that Sri Lanka is the only country in the world that has successfully faced this terrorist attacks that was strongly connected internationally. He expressed his pride over the leadership displayed by President Maithripala Sirisena and the quick actions taken by him and the heroic Armed forces to control the situation within few days. He expressed confidence that terrorism will be completely eliminated from Sri Lanka and the country will be settled down completely.
Mr Jayawardena, who appreciated how the President faced this challenge, mentioned his gratitude to the President for the direct steps taken to curb terrorism. He further stated that such quick action was what the world wanted to see.
The President of Hotels Association of Sri Lanka Sanath Ukwatte, Business leader, Dhammika Perera, and others representing the business community presented ideas and was thankful to President Maithripala Sirisena for being supportive under this critical situation.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesighe, Ministers John Amaratunga, Patali Champika Ranawaka, Malik Samarawickrema, Iran Wickremrathne, Ranjith Aluwihare, and Secretary of the President Udaya. R. Senvirathna, Secretary General of National Economic Council, Professor Lalith Samarakoon and secretaries of ministries, government officers, and representatives of the Chambers of Commerce and the businesses community were present in this event.