Who Is the Minister of Tourism in Sri Lanka?

By Robert Palmer

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural landscapes. It is no wonder that tourism plays a significant role in the country’s economy. The Minister of Tourism in Sri Lanka is an important position responsible for overseeing and developing the tourism industry, which contributes to the country’s growth and development.

As of 2021, the current Minister of Tourism in Sri Lanka is Hon. Prasanna Ranatunga.

He was appointed as the Minister of Tourism by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in November 2019. Hon. Ranatunga has been an active member of Parliament since 2004 and has held several positions, including Deputy Minister of Petroleum Resources Development and Deputy Minister of Highways.

As the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Ranatunga has been actively involved in promoting Sri Lanka as a tourist destination and developing its infrastructure to support tourism activities. He has initiated various projects to enhance the tourism experience, such as upgrading tourist facilities and promoting eco-tourism.

Moreover, Hon. Ranatunga has also taken steps to ensure that Sri Lanka’s tourism industry adheres to international standards and best practices. He has worked towards improving safety standards for tourists, promoting sustainable tourism practices, and enhancing training programs for those working in the hospitality sector.

Under his leadership, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has seen significant growth despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, before the pandemic hit, Sri Lanka recorded over two million tourist arrivals; however, this number dropped significantly due to travel restrictions imposed globally.

Hon. Ranatunga is committed to reviving Sri Lanka’s tourism industry by implementing measures such as vaccination programs for those working in the sector and promoting domestic tourism until international travel resumes fully.

In conclusion, Hon. Prasanna Ranatunga is an experienced politician who has dedicated himself to developing Sri Lanka’s tourism industry while ensuring it adheres to international standards and ethical practices. His leadership has been instrumental in driving growth and development in the sector, and he continues to work tirelessly to promote Sri Lanka as a world-class tourist destination.