The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena - Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, thank you for the opportunity to speak on two significant Heads.

¶ 02 Sri Lanka’s dollar economy rests on four pillars: exports; foreign remittances; foreign direct investment; and tourism. Compared to the first ten months of last year, exports, remittances, and FDI have improved this year; we have shared the numbers previously.

¶ 03 On tourism, the highest arrivals in recent history were in 2018, about 2.3 million. Comparing the first ten months of this year with last, arrivals have clearly increased. As of 12 November, 1,972,957 tourists have arrived, generating USD 2,659 million — a 4.9% growth over the first ten months of 2024. Average tourist nights are about 8.5, with daily spend around USD 172. Our challenge is to increase both length of stay and per-day spend, moving closer to benchmarks like the Maldives, where comparable stays yield around USD 4,500.

¶ 04 We have taken steps nationally and locally. For instance, the Ella train experience became popular and, despite an initial “ticket mafia,” we have managed it better now. We also formed district-level coordination committees through the Tourism Ministry to attract tourists with localized plans; I invite the Hon. Member for Kandy to engage in these committees and contribute ideas.

¶ 05 On facilitating self-drive tourists, we opened a counter at BIA to issue local driving licences to foreign visitors. There was criticism that this undermines local transport professionals. The facts: From opening on 03 August to 31 August, 198,235 tourists arrived; 2,306 licences were issued — 1.16%. In September, 150,971 arrivals; 1,965 licences — 1.24%. In October, 165,193 arrivals; 1,977 licences — 1.20%. In 1–14 November, 82,270 arrivals; 947 licences — 1.15%. From 03 August to date: 604,669 arrivals; 7,195 licences — 1.19%. Thus 98.8% did not obtain licences. Revenue earned: Rs. 15 million.

¶ 06 At the request of transport driver associations, we revised fees via Gazette. Under the amendment to the 2022 Motor Traffic Regulations (Gazette 2301/17), fees are increased as follows: - Foreign licence conversion to a Sri Lankan licence: from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 60,000 - New SL licence in lieu of a forged/invalid foreign licence: from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 45,000 - Duplicate SL licence for damaged/discoloured: Rs. 15,000 - Duplicate for lost SL licence: Rs. 30,000 - Temporary visitor licence: Rs. 15,000 for one month; Rs. 21,000 for up to two months; Rs. 30,000 for up to six months; Rs. 45,000 for 6–12 months

¶ 07 We also recognize international driving permits under the 1968 Vienna Convention and the 1949 Geneva Convention, per Section 132A of the Motor Traffic Act.

¶ 08 Tourism depends on the rule of law. In the past, powerful individuals abducted people in Defenders, teachers were humiliated, and public officials tied to trees. We have changed that environment; ensuring rule of law and social justice will attract tourists and investors. Over the next five years, strengthening rule of law and tourism, we will stabilize the country.

¶ 09 Thank you.