Industrial Export, Investment Promotion, Tourism and Aviation Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said yesterday the government has decided to extend the Rs.5, 000 allowance granted to Samurdhi beneficiaries to those engaged in the Tourism sector affected by the battle to contain the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
The Presidential Task Force established to administer essential services has taken this decision on the instructions of President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minster Mahinda Rajapaksa to ease the financial difficulties faced by low income and vulnerable families and individuals due to the COVID-19 outbreak, including those who serve in the tourism sector.
Accordingly, those involved in the tourism industry affected by the current situation can make an appeal to the Committee comprising of local government authority members and Grama Niladharis in their respective areas.
The Committee will select the persons eligible for the allowances and Committee members have already been informed of the necessary criteria for the selection process.
A large number of people engaged in the tourism sector directly and indirectly have been economically distressed as a result of the collapse of the tourism sector due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen the closure of all international airports and seaports in Sri Lanka to arriving passengers.
Many hotels have also closed down. The authorities are also making arrangements for the repatriation of tourists still remaining in Sri Lanka.
Minister Ranatunga further said the government has decided to extend the Rs.5, 000 allowance to Three-Wheeler drivers, bus drivers, conductors and regional journalists as well.
(Daily News)