Ranatunga calls for tourism biz to be prioritised in fuel and gas distribution

As the tourism sector continues to be impacted by the shortages of fuel and power cuts that are severely affecting service delivery, the Tourism Ministry this week urged the relevant authorities to give special emphasis to the reviving sector.

Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, in a statement to the media, shared that he has communicated to the ministers in charge of the subject to give priority to those engaged in the tourism sector in obtaining fuel and LP gas.

He asserted the need for the necessary steps to be taken, so that the industry stakeholders registered with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) to be prioritised to receive the required supply of fuel and LP gas to carry out operations in a seamless manner.

Ranatunga said he has also requested the minister in charge to inform the fuel and LP gas outlets about the same.
Nearly 235,000 tourists have arrived in the country so far this year and it is expected that nearly 50,000 tourists will remain in the country.

The industry stakeholders have been highlighting in the recent weeks the issues faced in carrying out operations with minimal disruptions, due to the ongoing power and fuel crisis.

While hotel accommodations are unable to deliver the service promised to incoming tourists, restaurants and eateries are struggling to serve the dishes listed on the menu. Industry sources have highlighted that several restaurants across the country have halted operations.

Several tourists too have taken to social media to share their dissatisfaction with the experience they are currently having in the country.

Meanwhile, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation announced yesterday that it expects the ongoing fuel shortage to be resolved over the weekend.