President highlights need to increase salaries of tourism industry workers to retain talent

• “We have at least got to match the Maldives in remuneration”- President 
• Stresses need to lure high-end tourists for which SL must improve service quality

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector should look to improve the pay scale of its workforce so that the talent pool can be

retained to uplift the industry to be on par with global standards, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

“We have a large number of human resources leaving the country because it is far more attractive elsewhere. We have at least got to match the Maldives in remuneration. Otherwise, you can’t run a tourist industry,” said Wickremesinghe.
The President shared these views addressing the Culinary Art Food Expo (CAFÉ) 2023 opening at the BMICH on Friday (9).

“That can only be done if we are prepared to increase the rate. But to do that we must give a good service. There are many aspects; But remember, one that is common to all is cuisine. The tourists are coming here because they are interested in cuisine,” he stressed.

Wickremesinghe stressed the need to increase the revenue per tourist, which means Sri Lanka has to step up efforts in luring and catering to the high-end international visitor segment. For this, the industry should strive to remain in high standards, and look at aiming even higher levels, he said.

As far as the suppliers are concerned, we would like you to remain in a high standard and even go for a higher standard, be able to make a mark that somehow you can even export some of your products to other countries.
Meanwhile, in an effort to encourage the youth to explore the area of culinary, the government is looking to extend support by setting up a school for culinary work, which the private sector can then expand. In addition to the South, Nuwara Eliya, Bandarawela, Ella, and Dambulla have been identified as areas to set up the schools.
“We can help ensure you to get chefs from abroad who also have the experience to ensure that their knowledge and the experience is passed onto the younger members of this profession,” said Wickremesinghe.

Further, the President also pointed out the need to establish a system to grade chefs in the industry by adhering to international standards and awarding stars. 
“Remember, we have a good future and do so by developing our young talent. All those people here should one day become good chefs and hope to work in Sri Lanka. But we have to ensure the conditions here are conducive to them to stay in the country,” said Wickremesinghe.