The Government of Korea has decided to provide a grant of US $ 10.96 million for the promotion of tourism industry in Sri Lanka. Ambassador of Korea to Sri Lanka, Heon Lee, said the grant will be given this year.

This was revealed during a discussion between the Minister of Industry, Export, Investment Promotion, Tourism and Aviation Minister Prasanna Ranatunga and the Korean Ambassador.

Accordingly, the Korean Government will provide a grant of US $ 5.6 million for the development projects of the community-friendly tourist village in Etanwala, Matale and US $ 5.36 million to develop the Kuchchaveli Tourism Zone.

Ambassador of Korea informed Minister Ranatunga that many high-level Korean businessmen are willing to invest in Sri Lanka with the security situation prevailing in the country since President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa assumed office.

The Ambassador pointed out that although there was a decline in arrivals of Korean tourists to Sri Lanka following the Easter Sunday attack, Korean tourists would like to return to Sri Lanka due to the prevailing situation in the country.

Minister Prasanna Ranatunga stressed that the new government is looking forward to expanding bilateral relations with Korea. Mr. Ranatunga said the government was willing to give more room for Korean investments.