Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, as we discuss the tourism industry today, I wish to begin by quoting several passages from the address delivered by H.E. the President at the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly.

¶ 02 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, the world has long seen a dark image of our country. In a way, we have recently suffered the consequences of that darkness. Therefore, in addressing this Session, the President repainted our image before the world, speaking of tourism, of our path as a nation, and of re-framing the world’s view of Sri Lanka. I will cite a few of those excerpts.

¶ 03 He said, “Across the world, hundreds of thousands of children are denied their right to education due to deprivation and poverty. We view investment in education as an investment in global progress.” That reflects his vision regarding our country’s future. He also said, “We can now identify organized criminal cartels linked to [transnational crime]. I respectfully invite you to activate the global road map to reverse this menace. The fight against corruption is hard; failing to fight it is worse. This battle must become part of every nation’s culture.” This helps recolor the darkened image of our country.

¶ 04 Further, the President said, “Public representatives are to serve the public, not to receive undue privileges. We have set that example.” He also stated that to bring to fruition “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life,” we focus on ethical, corruption-free governance, poverty eradication, digitization, and a clean country. He explained our policy-driven journey to develop the nation.

¶ 05 A particularly powerful idea he emphasized—echoed before by many of our Members and Ministers—is this: “The first steps we take may be difficult, but if the steps we take with courage are right, then thousands more will follow behind.” Those are profound truths within his address.

¶ 06 In sum, he spoke of how to build a civilized human society within Sri Lanka; how to raise a voice against poverty and corruption; how to advance global peace and anti-war efforts; how to focus on Palestinian freedom; how to advance the fight against narcotics trafficking as a nation; the value of education and health; and the importance of replacing self-interest with altruism. These were clarified by our President before the UN General Assembly.

¶ 07 I took this approach because today we are debating regulations issued under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969, via a special Gazette, to facilitate transport needs necessary for the rapid development of the tourism sector—specifically, permitting the import of 250 small buses and 750 vans. This is a strong, positive step for a country that seeks to move forward on tourism.

¶ 08 Looking at current tourism segments: cultural and heritage tourism; nature and wildlife tourism; coastal tourism; sports and wellness; religious pilgrimage tourism; and culinary tourism, among others. For years we have been implementing various actions and policies for tourism. As a government, we are steering tourism along a new turning point to uplift the national economy. Therefore, we, as a country, can be pleased.

¶ 09 We are especially striving to introduce modern methods for ecotourism. Ecotourism is already practiced here and globally, but with more focus we see Sri Lanka’s location, geography, and natural conditions make ecotourism highly suitable. The same applies to agritourism. When we add such modern approaches, discussing these regulations for importing 750 small vans and 250 small buses becomes even more important. Sri Lanka has great geographic diversity; thus, access infrastructure is essential. Tourists going to mountains, peaks, forest forts, water forts, and similar sites need suitable vehicles, routes, purchasing facilities, food facilities—everything arranged. To strengthen tourism as an industry and business, we must enhance supporting features, and thus we take such decisions. With this step, we hope to elevate the sector and, amid recovery from economic collapse, use tourism as a strong developmental lever. We shall promote and implement these policies swiftly. I thank you for the opportunity.