Colombo, Feb 13 (NIA) – Sri Lanka has urged boat operators in Mirissa not to swindle foreigners by charging them exorbitant amounts for whale watching.
Mirissa, situated in southern Sri Lanka, has largely become popular for whale watching in recent years, as the sea area around Mirissa and Kapparatota Fisheries harbors are hugely inhabited by whales.
A large number of local and foreign tourists visit the area every year, generating an income for the local people.
However Fisheries Minister, Mahinda Amaraweera in a discussion with boat operators said that several complaints had been received by foreign tourists who complained that they were being charged Rs.6000 per person (approx. US$40) for a single trip to watch the whales.
This price, he said was too high, and the cost had to be reduced.
Amaraweera urged the boat operators not to swindle the foreign tourists visiting Sri Lanka since this would harm the reputation of the country and the tourism industry.
Sri Lanka has become a popular tourist destination in recent years with over 2 million tourists arriving in the country last year.
However some travelers have complained that Sri Lanka’s pricing policy is too exorbitant when compared to similar countries in the region and the level of service was also somewhat inadequate.
