The Hon. S.M. Marikkar

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, we are happy that Hon. Vijitha Herath, a capable person, is Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. This Ministry brings key revenue and engages internationally; thus, it requires truthfulness and credibility.

¶ 02 Tourism is a major revenue avenue given our geography. I read your “National Tourism Policy” twice; it does not clearly show how to increase revenue. We need a plan to increase both arrivals and per-capita spend. One major issue is the lack of a proper, centralized communication system. Every restaurant/hotel pays 1% Tourism Development Levy, but how is it utilized? Rather than scattered exhibitions, efforts must be centralized via Missions and the Promotion Bureau with a clear plan.

¶ 03 It is six months since the President took office—about 10% of his term. What concrete measures have been taken within that time? Increasing tourist numbers requires airport capacity. Katunayake’s limitations restrict airline volumes. I draw attention to Ratmalana Airport. Its runway is longer than London City Airport’s, which handles about 100 flights a day. We can use Ratmalana for short/medium-haul commercial operations to bring tourists within a few hours. Security concerns cited in 2003 no longer apply. Convert Ratmalana into a commercial airport to generate revenue.

¶ 04 We must also develop the West/Northwest coast (Negombo to Kalpitiya) as a tourism belt, linked to Wilpattu. With southern expressways, many choose Yala over Wilpattu due to access time. Improve access Negombo–Kalpitiya to channel visitors to Wilpattu. Additionally, develop wildlife tourism: renovate national park bungalows, upgrade facilities, hire good chefs, and professionally market them so rates can command higher prices from high-spending tourists. Rs. 25,000 for two nights inside a forest is absurdly low; we can earn far more with upgrades.

¶ 05 Like Singapore, monetize experiences: build proper visitor centres, 3D demonstrations, and souvenir shops in national parks. I once submitted a 107-page proposal to the then Wildlife Minister, late Gamini Jayawickrama Perera, but little was implemented. Properly managed, wildlife and geo-sites could earn USD 1 billion annually. As a largely Sinhala Buddhist country, we should not promote prostitution or nightclubs as our core proposition. In Colombo, I saw a tourist idling at Galle Face not knowing where to go; even hotels lack basic city attraction information. Create trained guide and taxi networks rather than overtaxing people—innovate to earn.

¶ 06 On the Battaramulla Commission Report (Batalanda), torturers must be punished. But we also question the long-standing political deals: why did those who later sat in Cabinets (including JVP members in 2004) not retrieve the report if it was hidden for 25 years? Likewise, during Yahapalana, supported by the JVP, why was it not acted upon? Justice should extend to all victims: murdered monks, priests, police officers, officials, professionals, and civilians across parties. Bring the full package—punish all perpetrators, not selectively. I have even seen photos of a naked detainee being kicked by a JVP spiritual leader—if we punish Batalanda torturers, we must punish others too. Justice must be comprehensive.

¶ 07 Finally, regarding a colleague who criticized Islam for YouTube monetization: do not attack religions without evidence. If you claim child marriages are happening, table proof. Reform to the MMDA should be done through proper religious bodies and experts, not grandstanding here. Please do not allow Parliament’s time to be wasted on inflammatory religious commentary.

¶ 08 Thank you.