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Last Updated : 2024-05-13 12:12:00
2 May 2022 12:00 am - 16 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Nishel Fernando
Former Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) chief Kishu Gomes has called for the immediate resignation of Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Fernando with the recovery of tourism sector coming to a standstill as a result of continuous isolation of tourism industry stakeholders in the decision making process.
“All past Chairmen will vouch for the fact that such levels of conflicts impeding the progress of the industry have never been there during their respective tenures.
She may be having reasons not to step down despite several protests conducted by the industry stakeholders more than once demanding the Chairperson to vacate the position.
However, it is in the best interest of the industry for her to gracefully step down instead of waiting President or Subject Minister to replace her with someone who would bring all industry stakeholders under one umbrella to generate the best revenue at this crucial juncture,” Gomes remarked in a media statement on Friday.
While sharing the wide-spread dissatisfaction of tourism industry stakeholders on the leadership at SLTDA, he opined that Fernando is not capable of bringing all the key stakeholders around one common action plan to drive towards the recovery and to re-build the industry at this juncture where the country is in dire need of foreign currencies.
“As reported in the media, industry leaders comprising of key stakeholders such as SLAITO,THASL, TAAL, ASMETSL and SLAPCEO have repeatedly voiced their dissatisfaction over the way Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson has been making arbitrary decisions instead of rallying all the key stakeholders around one common work plan to recover and re-build the industry that has been shattered due to breakout of Corona virus at a time when the country needs foreign currencies to meet the very basic needs of the people,” he elaborated.
Gomes pointed out that the industry has seen over 50 percent in booking cancellations while forward bookings have dried up due to ongoing economic and political crises. In order to move forward, he stressed that the industry requires right leadership, a person capable of uniting and gaining the recognition of key industry stakeholders.
“Maldives Is a good example to follow in recovering for which we need the right leadership that would be accepted and respected by the key stakeholders of the industry,” he said.
Dee Monday, 02 May 2022 07:02 AM
Adapting the same stance as the godfather. ' No! Won't Go!'
Ama Monday, 02 May 2022 07:14 AM
She (KF) is not responsible for the current economic and political crises.
Nish Monday, 02 May 2022 07:23 AM
#GohomekimarliGo
Mithula Monday, 02 May 2022 07:47 AM
Kishu Gomes did nothing to the tourism industry in Srilanka. Kimarli is a person with a vision and a mission to develop the tourism industry in our country.
Nish Monday, 02 May 2022 09:29 AM
This is another useless person who has no real ideals to boost tourism. We charge huge entrance fees from tourists to places of interest compared with locals, give them 30 days visa and if a single day has exceeded charge another $50 and ask them line up whole day @Immigration. What has she really done to attract young travelers and those who really into travelling, not 5 star hotel staying group tourists?. Travelling has now changed so much and days of tourists coming on guided tours are over. Technology has improved so much now and people find their own ways and stay in AirBNB. What did she do to understand these issues?
Inshi Monday, 02 May 2022 09:33 AM
It is very unfortunate that the leaders with a vision and mission have failed and see the chain reaction affecting all industries. Not an appropriate time to be promoting Sri Lanka when there are burning issues. Tourism definitely is a money spinner but again the circumstances cannot allow us to promote such a beautiful country with her warm, welcoming and friendly people. Keep up the good work of promoting Sri Lanka but, please advice tourists to come at the right time.
Kirupa Monday, 02 May 2022 09:41 AM
She done very good job last 2 years. What she can do with current political
Udayanga Monday, 02 May 2022 09:46 AM
Is Kimarli from the " family clan" ?
Atog Monday, 02 May 2022 09:50 AM
Victim of Gota. Tilak Weerasinghe ? See Chamudhitha’s revelations !!
Ruwan Monday, 02 May 2022 09:55 AM
Good to see business leaders taking a stand and calling out people who are not suitable..about time the business community spoke up .. without being by standers..
Prasad Shan Monday, 02 May 2022 09:58 AM
Kishu Gomes was the most ineffective head at the tourist board. Whatever said and done, Kimarly is someone who tries really hard to help develop tourism in SL. She really 100times better than Kishu Gomes. Kishu just wants publicity .. an empty vessel that makes a lot of noise. Nothing else.
Sylvan Leisure Monday, 02 May 2022 10:01 AM
Unlike previous Tourism Chiefs, she is the one who has stepped up to break the backbone of the tourism mafia that's controlling the industry. Ofcourse for that reason the influential lobby would rather have her out. On the contrary she is the person who is trying to unite the whole tourism industry and not play to the tune of the SLAITO, TAASL and the THASL. Isn't that the case Mr Kishu Gomes?
Wijeya Gallage Monday, 02 May 2022 10:24 AM
A bunch of old has beens with nothing new to bring to the table, attacking an accomplished woman who is a champion of progress. Kishu did nothing in his time. DM please cover her angle also. She is trying to bring reform to reduce corruption and incompetent men who are holding on to their useless legacy of the previous tourism act.
Yasapala Nanayakkara Monday, 02 May 2022 10:24 AM
Public sector institutions must its own personality and identity as spelled out in the enactment.The industry comes under the purview of the institution and cannot be lead by the agents of the industry.The Board has wider responsibilities that would exceed the narrowed down objectives of business entities
Ramona Fernando Monday, 02 May 2022 06:08 PM
First get the Brothers, their family and in-laws to Resign.
Sosa Tuesday, 03 May 2022 08:18 AM
A person who did zero for tourism is trying to be relevant and bring down a woman who is doing her best for Sri Lanka Tourism dispite trying conditions.
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