• Joint tourism action plan to be implemented

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are considering launching a cruise service between Colombo and Dhaka, Bangladesh, Tourism Ministry said.

 This was revealed during a meeting between Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Tareq Md Ariful Islam and Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga at the Ministry of Tourism. Accordingly, it was decided to take action to launch cruise service in the future.

Minister Ranatunga said that more attention should be paid to uplift the tourism industry in the South Asian region through regional conferences such as BIMSTEC and SAARC.

He also said that a joint tourism action plan should be implemented in these countries through a conference of tourism ministers of South Asian countries. 

The Bangladesh High Commissioner said that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on tourism is expected to be signed between the two countries. 

During a visit to Bangladesh by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa earlier, it was decided to sign the MoU between the two countries.

The Bangladesh High Commissioner said that the MoU has been drafted and is expected to be signed soon. 
The High Commissioner pointed out that the assistance of those involved in the tourism industry in Sri Lanka is essential for the revival of the tourism industry in Bangladesh and requested the Minister to assist in that endeavour.

Minister Ranatunga said that Sri Lanka is ready to come forward at any time.

It was revealed that SriLankan Airlines currently operates direct flights between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
The High Commissioner said that a private airline from Bangladesh is set to launch direct flights to Sri Lanka.

• During a visit to Bangladesh by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa earlier, it was decided to sign the MoU between the two countries