The Chamber of Tourism and Industry with the support of the Ministry of Tourism Development has taken the initiative to revive the Tourism Industry in Arugambay which was very badly hit by the recent Covid 19 epidemic.

As an initial step a meeting was convened by the Divisional Secretariat Pottuwil   with the Secretary Ministry of Tourism Development Mr. S.Hettiarachchi with the participation of President Chamber of Tourism and Industry A.M.Jaufer, Assistant Divisional Secretary Y.Rasheed hoteliers in the area, Senior officials of the security forces and the representatives of the general public.

The aim of the meeting was to provide an overview of the current situation of the industry in the area and find solutions to problems faced by the stake holders of the Tourism Industry.

In his opening remarks President Chamber of Tourism A.M.Jaufer thanked the Secretary for making himself available to visit Arugambay and discuss the issues faced by the people in the industry. He said Arugambay being a world famous Surfing destination there is no proper facility for beach cleaning in the area. He requested the Secretary to make available a beach cleaning machine for PottuwilPradeshiyaSabbha, he went on to say that the other very important area being the water shortage in Arugambay which can be solved by the implementingHedaoya water project. Mr. Jaufer also requested the Secretary to consider providing firefighting equipment for the PottuwilPradeshiyaSabbha, initiate discussion with the Coast Conservation Department to take remedial measures to counter   sea erosion.

The President Chamber of Tourism also requested a setting up of Eastern Province Tourism Development Authority office in Arugambay, to provide solar powered lights to Arugambaybridge,and more facilities to the tourist police in the area and required equipment to the life guard service providers in the STF. Sanitary facilities in the Surfing locations and to conduct a mobile service for the registration of tourism industries.

He also said that the tourist guides and drivers in the area are yet to receive the compensation package paid by the government for those affected by the Covid 19 epidemic while the industry stake holders in the area still do not have access to financial facilities offered by the Central Bank.

Addressing the gathering Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism Development Mr. S.Hattiarachchi said that he was happy to meet the stake holders in the industry and gather firsthand information regarding reviving the industry in the area.

Mr. Hettiarachchi promised to provide necessary compensation for the tourist drivers and guides within this month and conduct a mobile service to register tourism industries in the area with a minimum documentation. Mr. Hettiarachchi also requested Mr.Jaufer and other officials to look for the suitable location to set up the Tourism Development Authority office in Arugambay for the Province

During his visit Mr. Hettiarachchi visited the beaches in Arugambay and inspected the Construction of the proposed restaurant being built by the Tourism Development Authority in Panama for the convenience of travelers and the general public of the area. Mr. S.L.M. Hasim Director Development Ministry of Tourism, Miss. Bavani Niranjani Director Planning Minister Tourism also participated.

Source: TravelVoice