The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority has revealed that it was unaware of the excursions by the Ukrainian tourists to Mirissa for whale watching and the Yala National Park.
In a letter to the Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, SLTDA Chairperson Kimarli Fernando said the authority was made aware of the excursions through the media.
The letter published on social media by Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Dr. Harsha de Silva further says the SLTDA had received information that private boats were taking the Ukrainian tourists for whale watching and 28 safari jeeps were organized for the Yala National Park tour.
Kimarli Fernando said despite being agreed at the Task Force meeting for the tour organizers to provide the SLTDA with detailed itineraries, including details of drivers and guides involved in the tours, the SLTDA is yet to receive the necessary information from the travel agents.
She further pointed out that attempts by the SLTDA to obtain the relevant information have been futile, while the tour agents have informed that they are working with the Presidential Task Force.
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairperson Kimarli Fernando called on Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga to intervene to obtain necessary details of planned excursions in order to keep the Ministry of Health and Covid Task Force informed in this regard. (NewsWire)
So @sltda_srilanka Chair Kimarli F has answered our queries in letter to Min of Tourism confirming our position; that Udayanga is doing this as he wishes w t Presidential Task Force! However key question if PCR were done on day 3 and 6 before leaving in day 7 remains unanswered. pic.twitter.com/8VeWfxGCq2
— Harsha de Silva (@HarshadeSilvaMP) January 4, 2021