The government has directed its attention towards extending the loan and leasing relief packages for those engaged in the tourism industry until 2021 end owing to the COVID pandemic.
Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga made these remarks at a discussion with relevant authorities.
He added that although the country has reopened for foreign tourists since January this year, the government is of the view that this concession should be extended as the industry has not recovered to its former status as yet. Since the opening of the country on January 21, more than 5,000 tourists have visited the country including tourists from China, India, Germany and the United Kingdom, which are key markets for Sri Lanka. He said that despite opening of the airports, concerns over the spread of the virus globally and health restrictions are seen as limitations to travel.