By Dinitha Rathnayake
Minister of Tourism and Public Security Prasanna Ranatunga is set to hold a discussion with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) C.D. Wickramaratne as well as the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) for tourism-related affairs, concerning the ongoing issues in the tourism industry.
Speaking to The Morning, the Ministry of Tourism stated that the discussion would mainly focus on establishing Tourist Police to the mainstream, strengthening the safety and security of tourists, and increasing the Tourist Police presence in the country.
“There is a need to activate the Tourist Police, as several incidents have been reported on the island. A recent incident that was recorded on video occurred in Kandy, where a local had sexually harassed a tourist."
The Ministry of Tourism lodged a complaint to the Kandy Tourism Police and requested an investigation into the said incident.
In 2020 when then-State Minister of Tourism Promotions Arundika Fernando, along with Sri Lanka Tourism officials, met with then-Acting IGP Chandana Wickramaratne to discuss the situation, several recommendations were tabled.
Increasing Tourist Police presence in popular tourist destinations from Colombo to the South, including Ella, Kandy, and Galle Fort Railway Stations; maintaining a separate Tourist Police unit at the existing police stations, ideally including female officers; providing Tourist Police with body cameras and to sport a jacket and/or a band to distinguish themselves as tourist police; increasing the Tourist Police cadre substantially to meet the safety requirements of the tourism industry; establishing a 24-hour hotline (1912) dedicated to tourism-related concerns; providing Tourist Police assistance to hotels on request, and to properties willing to provide space for Tourist Police in their premises, were some of the key recommendations.
Furthermore, it was also recommended to make it mandatory for all three-wheeler and taxi drivers, including Uber and Pickme drivers, to display a notice inside the vehicle with the photo of the driver, and their name, identification number, and QR code including the emergency hotline 119.
It was also suggested that the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority provide details of unregistered travel agents, guides, and other unregistered establishments/services on a monthly basis, so that the Police may take necessary action regarding their activities.
Prasanna Ranatunga to discuss tourism-related issues with IGP and DIG
24 Apr 2022
Prasanna Ranatunga to discuss tourism-related issues with IGP and DIG
24 Apr 2022
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