Ensuring safety of tourists, Sri Lanka assures to establish 25 new tourist police stations

Colombo, August 14: In a new vow to increase tourist attractions in the country, Sri Lanka’s police Chief meeting with tourism officials has assured to establish 25 new tourist police stations across the country to ensure the safety of tourists.

 

The IGP Pujith Jayasundara informed the tourism officials that the new police stations will be constructed on the request of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) at strategic locations covering all main tourist destinations in the country. A new uniform would also be introduced to the Tourist Police Division, allowing it to build more cordial relations with the foreign tourists visiting the island.

The IGP added that the officers attached to the Tourist Police Division would be given more training opportunities, paying special attention to language training. The Police Chief expressed his opinion that the Officers of the Tourist Police Division should have language skills in widely used international languages such as Chinese, Hindi and French in addition to English.

"We have to understand the important role played by the tourism sector in the country's economy. In a few years, it is expected to become the largest foreign exchange earner for the country. Therefore, ensuring safety of the foreigners visiting Sri Lanka will be a top priority for the Police force," IGP said.

He emphasized that the members of the tourist police force must work closely with the SLTDA and other institutions involved in the tourism sector and the Tourist Police Division should be a brand by itself adding value to Sri Lanka's reputation as a safe destination.

SLTDA Chairman Kavan Ratnayaka said the state tourism institution would extend its maximum support to the Tourist Police Division, as protecting tourists is a key priority for the government and the SLTDA would go to any length to achieve it.