Tourism Ministry on development drive

Irangika RANGE

PROJECTS: The Tourism Ministry will give priority to approve more community based development projects said Secretary to Tourism Ministry, Dr. P. Ramanujam at the passing out ceremony of the Jetwing Youth Development Project in Sigiriya.

He said that the government is very keen on facilitating tourism and travel related ventures, which committed for social responsibilities.

We expect local and foreign investors' higher contribution for the protection of environment and commitment for responsibility of community based development on priority basis.

As a part of the Jetwing Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, Vil Uyana at Sigiriya, has commenced English training courses to youth in Rotawewa and Kimbissa area. Over sixty students have been awarded their certificates after successful training.

Dr. Ramanujam said that the tourism is not only meant to earn foreign exchange but also to gear largely to eliminate poverty, creat job opportunities and creat market for local products in rural areas. Tourism is a major arm economically.

"Although beaches are recognised as best tourist destinations, there are many beautiful sites in rural areas.

He said this nature of community development projects would vastly improve the villagers livelihood and regional development. The services of this nature would solve this burning unemployment problems of youth in rural areas. Investors can lend hand to rural talented youth to commence self-employment avenues.

The Ministry is very keen on training youth on hotel development sector and it will develop the local hotel school in Pallekele in Kandy with the assistance of the Japan Bank International Corporation investing Rs. 500 million.

Facilities are also provided to make them aware of hotel craft, training in field selected from hotel housekeeping, reception, restaurant, bar and cookery. The objective of this initiative is to make them gainfully employable.

Some of them will have the opportunity to join Jetwing while others can look for employment in other companies in Sri Lanka or even overseas.