(UDHAYAM, COLOMBO) – Fisheries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera recently emphasized the owners of whale-watching boats that charge higher-fee from foreign tourists is unreasonable as they are not given any special privileges.
He said that foreign tourists visiting Sri Lanka shall not be swindled since it will harm the reputation of the country and the tourism industry. Minister requested that the boat fee charged from a foreigner shall be reduced to at least Rs 4,000.
Sea area around Mirissa and Kapparatota Fishery harbors are hugely inhabited by Whales and a large number of foreign tourists come for Whale watching. Such foreigners are transported by way of fishing vessels and a sum of Rs. 6,000 is charged from one person for a single trip. Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Mahinda Amaraweera said that he has received many complaints against this unreasonable charge.
Also, the Ministry has planned to initiate a Green Harbour center in Mirissa and Kapparatota harbors and an attractive multi-storey building will be established as a tourist center under an estimated cost of Rs 500 million. Sea food centers will also be established in this tourist center which will be operated by CFHC ensuring the comfort of foreign tourists.