Colombo (AsiaNews) – The Sri Lankan Ministries of Tourism and Defence have re-established the Tourist Police Division to guarantee the security of domestic and foreign tourists. This way law and order problems in the tourist sector, so badly affected by a fresh outbreak in the country’s civil war, can be better handled.
Tourism Minister Milinda Moragoda said that the establishment of the Tourist Police Division will prevent tourists from being harassed and create an environment that will allow them to enjoy the hospitality of Sri Lanka, its nature and culture.
The Tourist Police Division will be under the command of Superintendent Maxi Proctor who himself will come under the supervision of a deputy inspector general.
Government sources said that a network of police stations or units will be set up linking the major tourist spots. This, it is hoped, will guarantee local and foreign visitors a safe and calm stay.
Interviewed by AsiaNews taxi drivers in the capital Colombo said they “hoped it would increase the number of tourists” on which they depend for their livelihood.
A report published in the Hindustan Times said that this year the number of tourists dropped by 36 per cent over last year after air attacks by Tamil Tigers.
Airport sources in Colombo said that last year 500,000 visited the country bringing US$ 410 million.
Colombo is a major air gateway in South Asia with 4 million passengers passing through the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake.