Arugam Bay to get Tourism school, Seaplane Landing Dock

The Minister of Tourism, Harin Fernando requested local government authorities in the Ampara District to set up a tourism school.

This is to meet the growing demand for trained hotel staff, not just in the locality, but throughout Sri Lanka. It is estimated that the industry urgently requires around 3,000 trained individuals.

During his inspection tour of Arugam Bay, Minister Fernando also instructed the Government Secretary of the area to provide an estimate to build a seaplane landing dock. The Minister also said that seaplane operations will resume soon.

To increase safety among passengers taking boat safaris in the lagoon, the Minister instructed the chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Priantha Fernando to provide life jackets to safari operators and life guards.

The President of Eastern Chamber of Tourism, M. Jaufer requested the Ministry to bring in international surfing events which will create more entertainment opportunities and woo more visitors to the region.

The Ministry’s help was also requested to train tour and tuk-tuk driver guides, and vendors who can provide services to both local and foreign visitors.

“We also request that the present Tourist Police Unit be strengthened with more female police officers,” Jauffer said.

The local government representatives also sought the minister’s assistance to establish a fire fighting unit for the area.