SLTPB confirms irregularities in tender process of upcoming global tourism promotion campaign

• Irregularities discovered in tender process of PR and digital component of global campaign 
• SLTPB says investigations underway as directed by Tourism Ministry
• Asserts promotion campaign roll-out will go ahead as planned without delay

• By Shabiya Ali Ahlam

 The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau (SLTPB) yesterday confirmed to Mirror Business that certain irregularities have taken place in the tender process of the PR and digital component of the upcoming global promotions campaign and investigations are currently ongoing.

Speaking to Mirror Business, SLTPB Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu said that the matter was notified to the Tourism Ministry when it was found about six weeks ago, and investigations are still underway.
While Gajabahu did not share the exact issue with the tender process, highly reliable sources within the industry told Mirror Business that the entity, which forward the bid for the PR and digital component of the global campaign had tampered with the ‘Bank Guarantee Form’.

“I felt that there was something off, and took it to the Tourism Minister Secretary no sooner we felt something wrong had gone on. The Minister had then given clear instruction to the Secretary to carry out investigations and the next course of action,” said Gajabahu.
Following the revelation, eight senior officials of the SLTPB have been transferred to the Tourism Ministry, Mirror Business learns.

Last Thursday (3) SLTPB also went on to publish a new tender calling for fresh bids for the PR and digital component.
Gajabahu asserted that this incident would not have any impact on the rollout of the global campaign and it will be implemented as planned.
“I want to be very clear that the ‘Rejuvenation Sri Lanka’ campaign will be launched by the third week of August as planned. The thematic campaign that will go on for 12 months from the launch date will kick off in October,” he said.

Mirror Business also learns that industry stakeholders were notified of the incident only last week, and no details were shared on the specifics.
Sections of the tourism sector shared that the industry, which is slowly reviving, can by no means take another hit. Such irregularities, especially with the highly awaited global promotions campaign, should have not happened, they said.
Efforts to reach Tourism Minister Harin Fernando for comments were futile.