Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today thanked the tourism sector and the security forces for Lonely Planet reaffirming their ranking of Sri Lanka as the best place to visit in 2019, in spite of the Easter attacks. "I would like to thank all those in the tourism sector – big and small – who helped to keep the industry moving. I must also thank the members of the security forces who helped us from April 21^st, the day of the attacks, when I first met them. They set about capturing those responsible, and all are now in custody. They were able to accomplish this mission within just two months," he said in a statement. Sri Lanka was named the best country in the world to visit in 2019 by Lonely Planet, citing the improved transport links, new hotels and a growing number of activities as the reasons for the number 1 ranking. In its latest article it reiterated this top ranking, highlighting Sri Lanka’s food, the “epic” train rides, the hill country and the “incomparable” beaches as reasons it should still be on the top of tourists’ travel plans. The Prime Minister added that tourism has a promising future in Sri Lanka and that the Government is taking steps to assist the industry, with further assistance to be announced soon. "I urge everybody to get together to ensure that the industry thrives and enhances our image in the eyes of the world," the statement said.