Sri Lanka should be promoted for culture and heritage but not for entertainment: Minister

[First Guy]

Jan 16, 2015 (LBO) –Sri Lanka will be promoted for its culture and heritage under the new government rather than a place of entertainment Minister of Investment Promotion said today.

“In terms of tourism Sri Lanka sold its tourism based on historical places and cultural attractions,” Kabir Hashim, Minister of Investment Promotion and Highways said.
“That is why people came here to look at our rich culture,”

“But in the last couple of years people are using this as a destination to come and have entertainment (fun),”

"We don't believe that Sri Lanka should be marketed in that way. These investments would be looked at very carefully,”

"If there are investments that are not in line with Sri Lanka's religious beliefs and culture then we will not - even if it means they are huge in terms of money, we will not be able to consider them."
Hashim said that includes the casino projects as well.

He was speaking to journalists after assuming duties today.

President Maithripala Sirisena has stated in his manifasto to cancel the casino licenses given to John Keells Holdings and Australian James Packer, who is in the casino business.

“I will not allow the two Casino licences given to “Water Front” and “Lake leisure” under the Strategy Act contrary to certain decisions of Parliament and the Cabinet of Ministers and the opposition of the Chief Prelates of all three Buddhist Sects.” Sirisena said in his election manifesto.

However the manifesto has not mention about the third project by transport secretary and entrepreneur Dhammika Perera, which was given tax breaks.

http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/news/sri-lanka-should-be-promoted-for-culture-and-heritage-but-not-for-entertainment:-minister/1478064745

[First Guy]

What are your thoughts ?

[කිත්සිරි ද සිල්වාTop contributor]

I agree wholeheartedly.
I remember once I had a chat with some business people in New Delhi and they were so fascinated to hear about the places in Sri Lanka that have some reference to Ramayana.
Adam's bridge, Rumassala, Hawaeliya etc to name a few.
Sri Pada and Kataragama are places venerated by almost all believers alike.
There are many such places and we should promote them not other vises.

[chutiputhaTop contributor]

I refer this video on behalf of the Topic " Sri Lanka should be promoted for culture and heritage but not for entertainment: Minister"

Just Listen Until End..

[malanp]

Kabir Hashim nailed the right spot,,, one more thing to add is the Sri Lankan beach....Many europeans come to sri lanka to enjoy the sea and beach..

[කිත්සිරි ද සිල්වාTop contributor]

Sri Lanka should get help from prominent Travel Writers.
Invite Tv journalists to visit.
Stir interest overseas.
(The guys who dominate local Ad business and travel writing do not have much knowledge about the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka).