Reply To:
Name - Reply Comment
Last Updated : 2024-04-24 00:50:00
As the moratorium extended to the hard-hit tourism sector came to an end yesterday, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) requested trade associations to initiate one-to-one discussions with financial institutions for possible extension of the moratorium.
The SLTDA, in a notice to all trade associations, said it will be writing to respective banks on behalf of those who had sought intervention as a follow-up measure. The Tourism Ministry will present matters to the Cabinet seeking further intervention, it said.
The moratorium was offered to the tourism sector after the 2019 Easter Sunday attack for a period of six months, which was then extended three times due to the difficulties stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following a proposal made by the Tourism Minister Harin Fernando, on a request made by trade associations,
Cabinet approval was given earlier this month to extend the moratorium. However, the decision has not been implemented as yet. The officials of Sri Lanka Tourism and trade associations met with Central Bank Governor to expedite the extension. However, the Governor had conveyed his inability to intervene and instruct financial institutions to extend the moratorium.
The Governor was of the opinion that it is a matter to be decided by the respective financial institutions and opined that the Central Bank will refrain from direct intervention or influencing the individual decisions of banks and finance companies, the SLTDA highlighted in its notice.
A meeting was then held with 39 banks and finance companies, chaired by the Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism and Lands, which did not bring in the expected outcome for the struggling sector. The SLTDA shared that all financial institutions were of the firm view that they could not agree to an extension of the moratorium as requested.
Gert Jan, the Netherlands Friday, 01 July 2022 12:24 PM
How can you expect tourists to enjoy themselves when they see people suffering? Tourists have hearts too.
Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.
Reply To:
Name - Reply Comment
US authorities are currently reviewing the manifest of every cargo aboard MV
On March 26, a couple arriving from Thailand was arrested with 88 live animal
According to villagers from Naula-Moragolla out of 105 families 80 can afford
Is the situation in Sri Lanka so grim that locals harbour hope that they coul