Colombo: Sri Lankan tourists protest against “discrimination” compared to foreigners

Controversy is raging in the country over the different treatment by authorities and institutions. The authorities promise investigations and punishment for those who violate the laws. Domestic tourism is essential to sustain the economy after the Easter massacres and Covid. AsiaNews reports on local people being denied entry, especially during the high season.

Colombo (AsiaNews) - Controversy is raging in Sri Lanka over the different treatment of local and foreign tourists by institutions and facilities.

In recent times, there have been increasing complaints from citizens in various tourist areas of unequal treatment and discrimination by tourist service providers not registered with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

This is a widespread concern throughout the country and several complaints have been lodged with the authorities, highlighting preferential treatment for foreigners and disparities in the services provided.

According to reports from visitors to major tourist attractions, including Ella (Uva province) and the Southern Province, hoteliers and restaurateurs discourage local tourists from using their services.

This phenomenon is particularly prevalent during the high season, when demand and the influx of foreigners is high. Article 12, paragraph 2, of the Constitution guarantees equal rights for all citizens and prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, language, caste, sex and other grounds. Activists and critics therefore argue that no citizen should be discriminated against.

When questioned by AsiaNews, lawyers Bhathiya Hewawitharana and Chamodi Malalasekaras confirmed incidents and controversial episodes in Ella and the Southern Province.

"In recent months, legal action has been taken against many tour operators and establishments in relation to discriminatory incidents. We have appeared in several cases,‘ the lawyers said, ’in which local tourists have complained of discriminatory attitudes towards them. In one case, several families were denied entry to several restaurants‘ precisely because ’they were locals, even though the restaurants were empty. On the other hand, they warmly welcomed foreigners who arrived later,‘ with the restaurants remaining open ’past midnight."

Ella, like other places, is a small town where local tourists and domestic travellers end up having places to dine. ‘This is therefore an important issue,’ say the lawyers, ‘for locals who visit this tourist resort. Some have been forced to eat in huts along the road because they had no other options.’

Meanwhile, some restaurants in Galle and Matara, in the Southern Province, have put up signs saying “Foreigners only”, denying entry to locals, especially during the high season. The SLTDA must monitor these establishments and take the necessary legal action against those responsible," conclude Hewawitharana and Malalasekaras.

AsiaNews also gathered testimony from Kasun and Niluka Tennakoon, originally from Kandy, who ‘stayed in Ella with our parents for three days last month. During this period,’ they recall, "there were many tourists from Russia, Belgium, Poland and Romania. Many restaurants refused to serve us because they only catered to foreigners. We had no choice but to go to Haputale and Bandarawela, located about 15-20 km from Ella. During the day, travelling by car is not a problem. But at night, due to fog and heavy rain, driving is difficult and risky. In these areas,‘ they conclude, ’there have been many accidents in the past."

Malith, Devika, Akalanka and Sujith from Kadawatha, in the Western Province, experienced a similar situation when they stayed in Galle and Matara in April. They were refused entry to several restaurants because they only served foreigners, so they had to travel several kilometres in search of a meal. Domestic tourists believe that ‘most establishments charge foreigners almost double the price. For this reason, they prefer to serve foreigners rather than locals.’

SLTDA officials acknowledge the problem, explaining that they have received "complaints about discriminatory practices by some tourist establishments towards Sri Lankan citizens. We have decided to take action against those responsible for such discriminatory actions and their licences will be revoked if they are found guilty. In difficult times, especially after the Easter 2019 massacre [against Christians] and the post-Covid 19 period, domestic tourists have been by our side. Therefore, as operators in the sector, we must be grateful to local tourists'.