NPP Govt. will boost tourism industry to attract four million tourists a year: AKD

13 September 2024 10:17 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 58 Bookmark

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Colombo, September 13 (Daily Mirror)- A National People's Power (NPP) government will take immediate measures to uplift the economy initially where steps will be taken to boost the tourism industry to attract four million tourists to the country per year, NPP presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

Addressing a rally in Monaragala, he said areas such as the tourism industry, fisheries industry, IT industry and agricultural sector have been identified as areas which can be developed as immediate measures to revive the economy.

"The tourism industry can be developed as an immediate measure to uplift the economy. The maximum tourist arrival to Sri Lanka is only 2.3 million within a year. We will boost the industry to attract four million tourists per year. There are 400 million middle-class people in India and in China, 120 million people go out of the country as tourists annually. Sri Lanka is located in a strategically important location. We have good beaches, central hills, wildlife zones, good civilisation, and ancient inheritance which are ideal for tourism," he said.

Dissanayake said the fisheries industry will also be developed as an immediate measure, where action will be taken to support the fishermen to venture into the sea for fishing within two weeks after taking over the country. "Most of the fishing boats are anchored in harbours without going to sea. It is not profitable for them to engage in their industry due to the high costs," he said.

He also said the NPP government will take immediate measures to uplift the IT sector to a record Rs. 5 billion economy while creating 200,000 software engineers.

Dissanayake said the NPP government will focus on a production economy, claiming that the past rulers had collapsed all production in the country, encouraging imports.

"They collapsed all productions in the country. It is advantageous for them to import everything. A commission of Rs. 8 has been taken to import an egg. If 10 million eggs were imported, the commission is Rs. 80 million. If eggs were produced in the country, it is beneficial for the country, if eggs were imported, the minister is benefitted," he said.

Dissanayake said Sri Lanka exported coconut oil through BCC and said special tanks were built in the port to store coconut oil for export adding that those tanks are now used to store imported coconut oil for distribution. "Now, they prefer to import coconut oil. They have earned Rs. 3,500 million as commission by importing coconut oil. Almost everything that can be produced in Sri Lanka is imported now. Even kankun, chilli, rice, onion etc. are imported," he said.

He said NPP government will promote a production economy and pointed out that agricultural lands will be leased out to farmers instead of large-scale companies.

"We will stop providing lands to large-scale companies, we will provide them to farmers. We need to cultivate an additional season," he said.

Comments - 58

Tourist Friday, 13 September 2024 10:24 PM

The way your followers are behaving, not a single tourist will want to come to Sri Lanka. They'll all go to the Maldives instead.

27 71

Professionals Will Advise AKD Who Will Ultimately Make The Final Decision Saturday, 14 September 2024 12:26 PM

All the negative comments on this review are afraid of Discipline and Hard work. The Honeymoon period of SLPP, SLPF and UNP are going to be over soon. Those who accept Rule Of Law and discipline will find it a breeze living in SL with the new party. Similarly with other Presidents worldwide, they have a team of Professionals to advise them on ways to improve and uplift the country similarly seen in Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore. Unfortunately it wasn’t the case in SL the past decades as most advisors were also interested in building up their next egg too. AKD has already prepared a Professional team similarly seen with Singapore’s past and present leave . They bring vast expertise and are knowledgeable in their respective fields. The catch is they must be paid very well and the results will outweigh the cost of having them around.

36 28

Voter Saturday, 14 September 2024 12:32 PM

Name one true professional.

7 27

Manil Wickremaratne Saturday, 14 September 2024 06:12 PM

Are you serious ? Words and numbers are easy. Just a few years ago this guy thought Port City will need Sigiriya to be broken down for granite . You think making graphene and building a recycling factory will fix the economy ? This gut probably knows marxism , but clueless on macroeconomics. He's talking about a production economy , but whenever Gota tried to do anything , jvp thugs worked against it.

5 14

Man Sunday, 15 September 2024 06:05 AM

By (i) Collecting 500 US $ each from Sri Lankan's who have migrated or abroad. (ii) Printing money (SL) resulting inflation (iii) Sell whatever available (iv) Take over all the Fixed deposits of Sri Lankans. (v) Money that swindled or illegally earned, to be made legal for using for government expenses. (vi) Devolution of Judicial power to carders with dispute resolution councils, like in 1988-90. (vii) Allowing loans for public without any guarantor so that the depositors will have no money in their accounts.

2 7

Dilakshan Seneviratne Sunday, 15 September 2024 03:16 PM

You seem to be knowing many NPP supporters to know how they behave. All lies right? @Manil - Appears you don’t understand NPP policies, or misinterpret them. Gota failed due to his incapabilities and @man - same copy and paste comment repeated. Can’t you make a relevant argument? Please.

6 2

shelliah Friday, 13 September 2024 10:46 PM

its a good idea produce inland not to import but we should supply key items to produce example fertilizer is needed all and can continue all from that . reduce fuel cost and fertilizer cost or free fertilizer poor farmers. we have a good resource but we don't use them. only our politician looking import make them commission. make money and run away now 80 ministers getting ready for departure. how they got money corruption. need change our politics the question who can do it? only one party NPP

32 14

Man Sunday, 15 September 2024 06:09 AM

Change ith files containing photocopies to start to eradicate corruption? Ridiculous! Who got the delivery of sentence over the bankruptcy of SL? They were unable to do anything even to get a case filed as such as to convict Rajapakshas'. Talks only with no action even in the case of remanding Rambukwalla and VFS matter they were dumb and deaf. Hilarious indeed about their ability.

1 8

Open mouth = Pouring lies Friday, 13 September 2024 11:06 PM

This man has become the carbon copy of Sajith. How can he say an exact number in advance about the future tourist arrival? At least Ranil does not boast as AKD and Sajith.

32 49

Amaran Saturday, 14 September 2024 12:08 PM

Having a VISSION and TARGET is part of strategic planning. This is the starting point of whole process of rational planning model. Similar to budgetary control where you plan your expenses.

21 18

Jeanne Saturday, 14 September 2024 04:13 PM

Sorry, Amaran but there is absolutely zero basis for the so-called "vision" or "target" or "strategy" that you speak of. Time's up, buddy!

7 11

Jude Friday, 13 September 2024 11:28 PM

Just to give you an idea Vietnam attracting 18 million tourists per year. The politics of Vietnam is dominated by a single party under an authoritarian system, the Communist party of Vietnam. The freedom of assembly, association, expression, Press and religion as well as civil society activsm being tightly restricted just like in SL yet Vietnam getting 18 million tourists but SL can't reach even 2 Million tourists huh.

6 27

Juhaka Saturday, 14 September 2024 11:04 AM

Vietnam is a country combatted successfully against a super power using mainly Chinese weapons and intelligence. Their rulers are honest and brave more than local politicians or the new Pushpakumara in the making. Nobody in Sri Lanka wants an authoritarian system for a change. Don't you enjoy the freedom of assembly, expression etc. during this election time? Your anticipated system won't be able to restructure any debt obtained and wasted by Pushpakumara's former political mentors.

6 17

Cooper Saturday, 14 September 2024 12:46 AM

200.000 new software developer??

3 11

Promise the earth Saturday, 14 September 2024 01:00 AM

These plans are as fictional as Santa Clause. Anyone can promise the moon and stars but how they will achieve it, and where the money for all this will come from is a big mystery.

8 49

Dilakshan Seneviratne Sunday, 15 September 2024 03:27 PM

For starters, cut out the red tape, middlemen and crony capitalists. Make Sri Lanka airlines operate efficiently to bring in more tourists. Investment will come from private sector, with honest govt and law and order. NPP government has vision to increase tourist number to dollar ratio, which is very low compared to rest of the world. This will come from value added services. Government will provide information, data and probably financial backing fo r capable operators to access capital. These are only some of the things I can think of as a layman, reading NPP policies.

1 1

Show me the track record Sunday, 15 September 2024 05:03 PM

Name one achievement of the NPP/JVP to improve lives for their followers or communities. Nothing comes to mind, no?

1 4

G.B.S. Hewarala Saturday, 14 September 2024 01:23 AM

How about privatizing all the state bungalows so that those can be converted into hotels? We do not like government run hotels, private sector is more efficient.

2 34

Voter2024 Saturday, 14 September 2024 01:34 AM

You may be sad, lost a slogan as now eggs are available freely Rs. 40 for the consumer.

6 26

Sampath Saturday, 14 September 2024 01:40 AM

In Colombo he requested investors to come forward to invest in agriculture. In monaragala he is telling another story in front of farmers. How can we believe this man.

9 48

Jayampathi Saturday, 14 September 2024 01:46 AM

Is this man is telling 120 million out of 400 million middle class people in India

4 9

Cj Saturday, 14 September 2024 02:33 AM

Its easy to tell people in Monaragala..8n Colombo maybe a bet tough

6 24

Jeanne Saturday, 14 September 2024 03:34 AM

We have waited so long for his policies and his promises and this is the best he can come up with? The tourism industry is already booming in Sri Lanka. There are fears that NPP (formerly JVP) will do exactly the opposite. They have a soft vendetta against "large-scale" companies and personal wealth. This isn't going to end well. It will be 1971 all over again. Choose wisely, people!

10 48

lion Saturday, 14 September 2024 04:53 AM

we are hundred person sure that you will do this since you have no motive to earn commission out of every decision you take.

27 12

Aney Saturday, 14 September 2024 02:31 PM

Aney....

1 8

Man Sunday, 15 September 2024 06:13 AM

Free of corruption? Lalkantha drunk and driven his cab and knocked down a person and killed while some action has been taken against Wasantha Samarasinghe by the bribery commission over some bribe taken by him. So, they respect the law quite well like Ranil, without any power. So, what is stored can be expected from them to mess up, democracy in SL.

0 7

Ram P Saturday, 14 September 2024 05:06 AM

AKD must take steps to sort out the visa issue as per the SC judgement ASAP. Those who are exempted from Visa at present, charge $20 at the Immigration counter as a service charge and that will give a lo of $$$ to import drugs necessary for the Hospitals

16 12

Man Sunday, 15 September 2024 06:15 AM

They were unable to take any legal action but the SJB, to stop it. Talks only.

0 2

Yohan Sunday, 15 September 2024 01:51 PM

Lol. Jvp is always hardly make any statement or take legal action against those who funded and funds them. Tiran is a close ally of jvp. Jvp is not a clean party, they are kind of ransom collectors.

0 3

Gunapala Saturday, 14 September 2024 05:51 AM

Desperate to win last minute votes!

9 26

Grace Saturday, 14 September 2024 06:37 AM

Our country would have been a haven on the earth if we had a good government. We have beautiful beaches and picturesque landscapes, historical places etc. We have talented Hospitality professionals. Tourism is the world's largest and the most profitable industry. When I worked in the Middle East, Arabs who visited our country admired the island. Before 1983 violence, the happiest workforce in our country was those who worked in the the Tourism industry.

0 19

Jeanne Saturday, 14 September 2024 12:28 PM

@Grace: Yes, our country was and still is beautiful. Sadly, somewhere between 1983 and 2024 the dream seems to have imploded leaving us with just a shell of our once top level hotels and staff. All we now have are sub-standard hospitality workers (through no fault of their own - no training), utterly ridiculous prices and taxes amid a desperate attempt to make hay while the sun shines. And believe me, that ray of sunshine is becoming cloudier by the day. I do get your sentimental post though - it's very sad indeed.

0 12

Tissa Fernando Saturday, 14 September 2024 06:40 AM

These policies will not work, large companies are able to implement economies of scale, individual farmers will not fo anything. 4 million tourists require 4 million Airline seats, but under NPP government no airline will come here. Are they going to come by NPP 3 wheelers.

12 37

NPP will Bring Prosperity Saturday, 14 September 2024 07:24 AM

What stone age policies. To start with, they are the guys who chased away tourists in the 88-89 period imposing unofficial curfews and forcing hotels to be in the dark. Coming to the present context, see how this man, who is aspiring to be the next president, contradicts himself-"we want to have a production economy" and then he says, "lands will be given to farmers instead of large-scale companies!" How can we be a production-oriented country if we are not allowing large companies to set up operations? Look at India. How many world-class companies operate there? See the benefits. In addition to employment generation, the country will gain access to latest technology. Further, look at his statements - "We want to", "we have to", etc. Just yearning without any methodology. Doesn't this man know, at least, the basic trade theories, like the "Comparative Advantage theory?", that a country will be better off producing what they are good at and exporting them and importing the rest?

11 35

Rec Saturday, 14 September 2024 07:57 AM

Also you must safeguard Investors and investments. Soul Beach Hotel,....etc.

4 8

Terrence K Saturday, 14 September 2024 08:34 AM

You are a Big Boaster even before the results are announced. because any marketing strategy should be planned by experts of the industry who have hands on practical experience and not talkers who are having paper qualifications which is only worth to the dustbin. What will the villagers at Moneragala know about turning around the tourism industry. Are you going to showcase the veddahs of this country who have lost their habitat by politicians of your ilk. It is better at a threshold of an election you zip your mouth in things you do not know having a smattering knowledge following the footsteps of Gota who in spite of opposition from the doyens of the agricultural industry went ahead in implementing the bio fertilizer program to the utter exasperation of the experts.!!!!!

8 27

Gamini Saturday, 14 September 2024 10:11 AM

No tourist will come if a NPP government comes to power. Even the locals will leave the country. SL will be left only with freeloaders' and three wheel drivers

7 20

Ranga Saturday, 14 September 2024 10:20 AM

This is where we continue to fail Having Just good beaches, central hills, wildlife zones, good civilisation, and ancient inheritance Isn't enough in modern day tourism Past and present politicians haven't not understood this sadly

0 13

Kumari sen Saturday, 14 September 2024 11:11 AM

Please don't make promises like these. Focus on eradicating corruption, getting corrupt politicians to face charges, working towards getting stolen money by politicians etc Focus also on system changes- no more political appointments at grass root level, upholding meritocracy etc Please say firmly that all past politicians including the 225 rogues will not have any role openly or covertly with NPP. Supporters of NPP, in SL and abroad wants you to win and bring prosperity back to SL. A huge task that will take time

10 8

Man Sunday, 15 September 2024 06:20 AM

What positive results AKD brought as the Agriculture minister or as the Chief of committee appointed by My3 to file cases against culprits whom the NPP accuse? Nothing at all. Heading greater misery unlike any other time as Gota Part II.

0 2

Eper Saturday, 14 September 2024 01:00 PM

The new government which takes control , has a primary duty of recovering the dollars which was looted in 2020 as same belongs to the 22 million population.Tourism and exports comes thereafter

3 7

Chris Saturday, 14 September 2024 01:15 PM

He is now showing us the joker he is. Just spitting out figures to villagers in moneragala. Is that place a tourist destination.? First train hotel staff, upgrade railways before you think of attracting tourists. Most hotel staff don't speak /understand English.

2 16

Sub continent traveller Saturday, 14 September 2024 01:20 PM

To attract Indian tourist, please extend the runway at Palali airport. The Indian government is happy to assist, however the Sri Lankan government not keen to do so . I wonder why ?

1 8

Ray Fernando Saturday, 14 September 2024 01:20 PM

Now they are thinking of democracy, development

1 10

Nihal Dharmatileke Saturday, 14 September 2024 02:08 PM

No to over tourism they bring bad influence to any country Barcelona, The Philippines, some resorts in Thailand are saying no to tourists, go to the south and see for yourself how they behave, beach wear has become street wear, come for meals in rubber slippers some men bare bodied management say nothing.

4 6

Banda Saturday, 14 September 2024 05:36 PM

One Question: HOW??? All..talk....talk...talk...and even more talk!!!

0 10

KD Saturday, 14 September 2024 05:39 PM

No western tourists will come to a Marxist communist led country.

0 12

wickrama Wijayasiri Saturday, 14 September 2024 05:43 PM

Very attractive and sensible policy statements. Hope they all will be implemented democratically.

9 1

Man Sunday, 15 September 2024 06:23 AM

As from Gota? A tragedy indeed.

0 3

Tissa Fernando Saturday, 14 September 2024 06:38 PM

No tourist or expat will come to the country as there will not be personal freedom. JVP will be after their money so they are unlikely to come. The JVP drug dealers and drug users will swamp on them. Sri Lanka will be in total disaster.

1 11

Mohamed Burhan Saturday, 14 September 2024 07:38 PM

Harin and Manusha was doing a good job in the tourism field.If yhis can be continued from where they stopped?

6 3

My two cents Saturday, 14 September 2024 09:24 PM

If only JVP had understood or at least acted to understand the value of development and democracy instead of disruption 59 years ago. Then the country wouldn't have been in a mess like now. Considering only the education sector, if they hadn't opposed white paper in 1981 most people including Anura wouldn't have to struggle with the English language. Unfortunately they have realized their mistakes too late and I don't think people would forgive their sins.

1 9

John Fernando Saturday, 14 September 2024 11:31 PM

If our countrymen are so unfortunate, on a government of NPP we will experience worst than 1970-77 period.

0 6

Yohan Sunday, 15 September 2024 07:34 AM

He can nicely talk and make promises but as an opposition mp, he has not done anything for the people. Also he cannot read, write or speak in english just like MY3. He had almost 20y or so to learn but gave priority to talking nonsense. A leader without english is useless for a country as he or she cannot work directly with foreign parties. Think twice before voting a useless talker.

1 7

Jayampathi Sunday, 15 September 2024 09:31 AM

According to his statistics 30% of middle class people in india

0 0

Tissa Fernando Sunday, 15 September 2024 11:36 AM

May be he us thinking of bringing these and giving accommodation ar their comrades houses.

0 3

Mani Ratnam Sunday, 15 September 2024 03:49 PM

The fundamental flaw in Srilankan politics since independence. The first thing they did immeadiately after independence is to defranchise the so called Indian Tamils. Even though they contributed for nearly half of the then Ceylon's forex earnings. Because they got 8 seats in parliment. The thinking was that we can't have minority winning in North and east and also in Uwa. At the same time the Galoya (Pattipalai Aaru_ changed to Gal Oya)project was commissioned. People, mainly Tamils were removed to pave way for the construction and when it was compleated, instead of giving /resetting the displaced people, people from other areas ( ofcource Sinhalese )were brought in and given land. This the first attempt to change the demography of the Eastern province. Kanthalai scheem is another one. Followed by Sinhala only in 1956. Even then they couldn't achive their goals. The politicians belonging to the majority community couldn't tolerate the minority especially the Tamils doing well in all

0 0

Bandara Gamaga Monday, 16 September 2024 04:41 AM

AKD and his communist economic team is going to be a disaster for the economy. No investments, high unemployment, depreciation of rupee. playback of 2022. International investors are already dumping SL bonds/debt in anticipation. (high interest payments for money owned)

0 1

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