The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa

¶ 01 Hon. Chairman, I am pleased to participate in the debate on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. The total allocation is Rs. 21,463 million: Rs. 19,456 million for Foreign Affairs, Rs. 872 million for Foreign Employment, and Rs. 1,135 million for Tourism Promotion.

¶ 02 Since this Government assumed office, conditions have improved for all people to live together in peace, and global attention to Sri Lanka’s situation and trajectory, as well as the domestic calm, have helped increase tourist arrivals. Reports indicate hundreds of thousands have arrived.

¶ 03 Sri Lanka is rich in natural resources and is a multi‑ethnic society, warmly welcoming tourists. Tourism is identified as a key sector earning foreign exchange and contributing to economic development. We expect this industry to be sustainable. Our country needs sustainable tourism development. We have many enabling resources: clean coastlines, water‑sports potential, inland and outdoor sports, waterfalls, tea estates, mountain areas, modern marketplaces, ancient cities, and cultural events. Biodiversity in fauna, flora and mangroves enhances our appeal.

¶ 04 Hon. Vijitha Herath, the responsible Minister, knows the Eastern Province and its people well; he has visited and engaged there. Therefore, I must speak about Eastern Province tourism. Under the NPP Government, the economy has begun a gradual recovery. However, some in the Opposition still resort to communal rhetoric instead of contributing to development.

¶ 05 In the Eastern Province — Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Ampara — there are many tourism‑friendly sites: Nilaveli Beach in Trincomalee; Pasikuda in Batticaloa; and in Pottuvil, Arugam Bay, world‑renowned for surfing. To further develop tourism, I propose establishing a runway in Pottuvil by upgrading the local aerodrome; we are ready to work with relevant departmental heads to facilitate it.

¶ 06 Kumana and other bird sanctuaries also offer opportunities. Many tourists first visit Trincomalee, then wish to proceed to Arugam Bay, but transport is limited and expensive when using private services. A rail link from Batticaloa to Pottuvil/Arugam Bay would benefit both tourists and residents traveling to Pottuvil and Kumana.

¶ 07 There was a Foreign Employment Bureau office in Kalmunai, but it was moved away by past communal administrations, causing hardships to locals. Tourism now brings significant revenue. During past campaigns, some said “NPP has no international recognition and no one will talk about them.” But today Sri Lanka is widely discussed internationally, and tourist arrivals from Arab and European countries are increasing. When this Government took office, the economy was bankrupt; now, with rising tourist arrivals, our country’s reputation and income are improving.

¶ 08 Our Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Hon. Arun Hemachandra, hails from the East and understands the region; I urge that his services reach all people in the Eastern Province.

¶ 09 Trincomalee has multiple attractions and draws many tourists, who then go to Batticaloa, where sites like Pasikuda are suitable for visitors. More than 30 hotels of three‑star standard or above are present. Particularly in Pottuvil and nearby areas, there are hundreds of small and large hotels attracting tourists. By providing necessary facilities, the Eastern Province can be made a leading tourism region. Thank you.