The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I second the Adjournment Motion moved by Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake. He spoke specifically about three-wheelers, not about all vehicle licences. As to buses as well, a large number of tourists are arriving now, almost reaching 2018 levels, which we welcome.

¶ 02 In many European countries there are no three-wheelers. Driving a car and driving a three-wheeler are different. Issuing licences without adequate training can cause problems—as shown by the accidents the Hon. Mover highlighted—because a three-wheeler is a three-wheeled vehicle with different handling. It would be good to look into this while I support the motion.

¶ 03 On tourism more broadly, several issues have arisen. Especially regarding room rates at our five-star hotels, the absence of a price floor has created problems. Across Sri Lanka, five-star properties now sell at very low rates. Even when we travel to India or elsewhere, we may pay over USD 100 for such rooms. But here, five-star rooms can be obtained at USD 60 or even less. Previously there was a minimum rate—USD 100 or 120 below which you could not sell. With that removed, I have seen websites advertising some Colombo five-stars at USD 40, 50, 60. Then our national revenue is reduced; in my view, rooms are being sold at a loss rather than a profit. If the former minimum is reintroduced, such dumping would cease. Tourists should come and spend in Sri Lanka; at present they are not spending much. We will speak further under the relevant Heads of Expenditure, but I draw attention to this now. Thank you.