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Anura all
out to redevelop tourism industry |
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Minister of Industries, Investment Promotion and Tourism
Anura Bandaranaike assured the travel industry that he would
do his best to obtain more assistance from the government to
redevelop the tourism industry in the aftermath of the
Tsunami which struck on December 26.
The Minister who addressed leading hotelliers in the
Southern Province at the Governor's residence in Galle last
Sunday said that he has also urged the affected hotels to
reopen as soon as possible.
He said that he had already spoken to officials of the
government and the private sector to seek ways and means to
get them involved in the rebuilding process.
He said that a cabinet paper would be soon introduced giving
guidelines on housing and building in close proximity to the
sea. He called upon all to sink political differences until
such time of an election and work together.
General Manager Unawatuna Beach Resort Janaka De Silva said
that some insurance companies are citing various excuses and
are evading payment in connection with the disaster.
"The
insurance companies say only hotels who have taken
earthquake insurance cover are entitled to payment," he told
the Minister.
De Silva said that the hotels were damaged by floods and not
by an earthquake in Sri Lanka and urged the Minister to look
into this. The Minister said he would take up this matter
with the insurance companies.
Managing Director Lady Hill Hotel Galle Senaka De Silva said
that the government should provide more financial incentives
for the industry. "We need soft loans, tax incentives and
more time to pay loans obtained by hoteliers," he said.
Hoteliers pay around 17 percent tax by way of cess to the
Tourist Board, Municipal Councils and for Vat. He appealed
to the Minister to intervene in this area as well. |
           
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