(COLOMBO) – Sri Lanka’s State Tourism Minister Diana Gamage called on the Public Security Minister to take immediate action against foreign tourists on visit visas engaging in business activities in the country, saying that they pose a serious threat to local communities and businesspersons.
Gamage known for her off the cuff maverick statements from time to time told Parliament that the tourists on visit visas were engaged in business activities in Sri Lanka, especially in the Southern Province.
“This has created a great threat to the local people engaged in business activities especially, in the Southern Province. This matter should be addressed at the earliest. We are not allowed to do any business or work in foreign countries while on a visit visa. We will be kicked out if we do so,” she said.
The Minister said this issue should be resolved in a proper manner without creating diplomatic snags with the countries concerned.
She urged the Public Security Minister Tiran Alles, who is in charge of Immigration and Emigration, to look into the matter and take a decision regarding the matter as it could snow ball into a larger crisis in the near future.
On previous occasions Gamage had called for an increase in night life activities, an extended time for liquor outlets and even legalizing Marijuana and prostitution if the country if it was to be recognized as a friendly tourist destination in the Indian Ocean region.
