State-run Sri Lanka Insurance to insure tourists

As several counties have suspended issuing travel insurances due to harsh travel advisories issued by their governments, the Sri Lankan government is now considering a proposal to issue travel insurance for tourists visiting the country.

Sri Lanka Tourism chief Kishu Gomes said the proposed travel insurance is likely to be issued by the State-owned Sri Lanka Insurance, which would be underwritten by the Treasury. According to Tourism Development, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs Minister John Amaratunga, the insurance cover is likely to be between US $100,000 to 250,000.  
He noted that the Cabinet Sub-Committee on tourism will discuss on how to provide further relief to the tourism industry and its related industries this week, including a proposal to cut the current landing, passing and ground handling charges at the Bandaranaike International Airport in order to bring down airline rates. 

Amaratunga is also scheduled to meet Finance Ministry officials today to discuss the earlier announced relief package for the tourism industry, including treasury’s financial commitment.
Despite the travel advisories, Amaratunga said that there is a marginal uptick in tourist arrivals which is now hovering around 1800 to 2000 per day compared with 1700 during first five days of this month.