The recent killing of a tourist and the assault on another that took place in the southern part of the country will certainly affect the thriving local tourism industry, but the professional manner in which the incident was handled by the law enforcement authorities would restore the country’s image, according to Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman, Dr Nalaka Godahwa.
He pointed out that although the incident created a clear suspense, measures taken to ensure law and order in the aftermath of the incident will be pivotal for the future.
Godahewa also emphasized the killing of a British national was regretted and the government has taken all measures to investigate and apprehend the suspects. “The incident which took place in Madilla, Tangalle is not something that we condone with.”
“We informed both the British and the Russian embassies about the victims, and they have been coordinating the whole process with us. The body of one of the victims is to be flown to his native country.
The other victim who sustained injuries has now been transferred from the government hospital in Matara to a private hospital in Colombo,” he added.
“Such incidents, though unfortunate, have happened in other tourist destinations in the past and can happen anywhere in the world.
This will by no means overshadow the warmth offered to tourists by our hospitable people and the professional service offered by the tourism industry.
We strongly condemn what took place in Tangalle and express our condolence to the victim’s family,” a statement issued by the Sri Lanka Tourism stated.
Source: Daily Morror, December 28, 2011
