Colombo, Jan 3 (newsin.asia) – The Sri Lankan government, on Wednesday said it will take stern action against hotels and restaurant who cater to ‘foreigners only’ and discriminate against the locals, the local Daily Mirror reported.
Local Government and Provincial Councils Minister Faizer Musthapha said the Tourist Police, along with the Local Government bodies, the Tourism Development Authority and the Tourist Board will conduct raids on restaurants, villas and tourist lodges along the southern tourist belt in order to probe against any discrimination.
Those found guilty will be prosecuted and their trade permits will be withdrawn, the Minister said.
He alleged that a large number of villas, restaurants and tourist lodges from Wadduwa to Tangalle along the southern coastal belt had put up boards saying ‘Tourist Only’ and restricted access to Sri Lankans.
“This cannot be accepted. It is impossible to keep exclusive areas for tourists alone and bar Sri Lankans which is an affront to our national dignity,” Musthapha explained.
Officials of the Tourist Board and Tourism Development Authority pointed out that many of these establishments had not been duly registered with the Tourist Board and run on a ‘Trade License’ obtained from the local government authority which is also illegal.
The villas, lodges and restaurants discriminating against Sri Lankans were run mainly in Wadduwa, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Mirissa, Weligama, Habaraduwa and Unawatuna, it was revealed.
