PM calls for joint efforts to promote tourism between China and Sri Lanka

18 August 2023 12:00 am - 9 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena who is currently in Kunming, China, has called for joint efforts by Sri Lanka and China to promote tourism between the two countries.

“Chinese tourist arrivals have been one of the key strengths of the Sri Lankan tourism industry. Mainly thanks to an announcement made in February this year by the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism, placing Sri Lanka among the Top 20 countries for tourism.

I take this opportunity to call for a joint effort between our countries to enhance tourism among us, as collectively we have much more to offer. Let us not forget that this century belongs to Asia. This is Asia’s century,” Gunawardena said.

Prime Minister is participating as the chief guest at the 7th China-South Asia Exhibition jointly organised by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and the Yunnan State Government in Kunming.

As of July end, Sri Lanka had welcomed 29, 924 Chinese tourists compared to just 1, 850 in the same period in 2022.

Earnings from tourism industry surpassed the US$ 1 billion milestone by end July.

Provisional data from the Central Bank revealed that earnings from tourism for the first seven months of the year totalled US$ 1.094 billion, a 43.1 percent increase when compared with the corresponding period in 2022.
Latest tourism statistics showed that from 1 January to 10 August, Sri Lanka welcomed a total of 819, 507 international visitors.

Meamwhile, Gunawardena thanked China for the support extended by them towards Sri Lanka’s debt restrucuturing.

“We acknowledge with appreciation that China has extended much-needed support in the debt restructuring process, which was essential to secure international support. We are confident that China will extend continued cooperation in the future towards Sri Lanka’s broader economic recovery,” he said.

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Comments - 9

Jagath Ekanaya Friday, 18 August 2023 08:22 AM

Did he make this comment from a Chinese massage parlour.

Ama Friday, 18 August 2023 09:09 AM

These flowery statements will not take us anywhere.

sacre blieu Friday, 18 August 2023 09:12 AM

Now they have become tourists experts and should leave it to the professionals, before they ruin it , as usual with anything good.

Jude Friday, 18 August 2023 09:18 AM

We're already getting too many cheap Chinese tourists!!

BuffaloaCitizen Friday, 18 August 2023 11:45 AM

This fellow is only good for exhibitions and not for any active work. I challenge this fellow to announce what he has achieved for Sri Lanka during his Political Carrier. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. What is he enjoying now, State Security, Diplomatic First Class Travel, PM Bungalow, Pension, Life time retirement State Bungalow, Retirement assisting Staff, Life Time First class medical treatment and many many more. Doesn't this fellows have a morsel of conscience?

Ron hardy Friday, 18 August 2023 03:42 PM

Very sad our politicians have no substance to stimulate the economy no point looking for avenues that will take long time recovery sri lanka need speedy recovery we need professional economist to up lift the country in many ways locally without fixing our own backyards how can we expect to do other things there should be a proper planning system to solve many economy issues at present....

Buddhist Friday, 18 August 2023 06:10 PM

What's the point in going behind China, they have still not agreed on debt rescheduling, and look at Noracholai eternally failing!

Phillip's son Friday, 18 August 2023 11:00 PM

This man's mere rhetoric just to hoodwink the Chinese and Sri Lankans.

Punchi Sunday, 20 August 2023 05:54 AM

Any China tourists currently coming are on CCP subsidised tours to show the Chinese tourists our failed country when compared with the benefits and conditions in modern China, what the CCP is providing for them

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PM calls for joint efforts to promote tourism between China and Sri Lanka

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