The Hon. Chaminda Lalith Kumara

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, during this debate on Regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, we have heard important points about facilitating vehicle imports to support the tourism industry—a major source of foreign exchange and an avenue to present our country’s strengths to the world. Since this Government took office, it has systematically supported the sector with incentives and allocations, and by conveying a positive message globally, stabilizing and advancing tourism.

¶ 02 Sri Lanka enjoys natural endowments that have drawn global affection. Historically, however, only a few families enjoyed the benefits; the wider rural populace did not. Tourism is a pathway to extend those benefits to villages—allowing people to build lives by showcasing our country. While agriculture and plantation exports are important, tourism provides quicker earnings from dollars spent by visitors.

¶ 03 Historically, tourism was often confined to large hotels and establishments. If past rulers had truly developed community-based tourism for villages, livelihoods would be stronger today. Instead, during past crises—pandemic, foreign exchange shortage—imports were locked down, and people suffered. This Government is rebuilding every sector, including tourism, with contributions from every district.

¶ 04 In Gampaha District, where I serve, our leaders—Hon. Wijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism; Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Lands and Irrigation; and Hon. Arun Hemachandra, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism—are leading this effort. Across provinces, workshops and programmes are being organized to take tourism to the village. However, promotion remains a key challenge; tourists assess transport, accommodation and amenities. Without reliable, high-quality transport and services, old negative impressions cannot be erased.

¶ 05 As Hon. Prasanna Gunasena set out, tourism indicators are rising. We must keep the country safe, peaceful and welcoming—free of communalism, bombs and religious or ethnic strife—so that tourism never again falters. With the example set by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the dedication of our Members and the public, we can make tourism a true engine of inclusive growth.