Sri Lanka, which was hit by a ghastly terror attack on April 21, said on Tuesday that the situation now was normal and it was safe for the tourists to visit.?
Addressing a press conference here, Sri Lankan Tourism Minister John Amaratunga said: “I have personally come here to say that my country is safe.”
While inviting the Indian tourists to enjoy the beauty of the island, he assured them of full security. “We have more expectations from India,” he added.
He said even the Sri Lankan Prime Minister has also said that there are no suicide bombers there to create any disturbance.
“Our intelligence and armed forces were quick enough and within 10 days, they apprehended all those who were involved and those supported ISIS criminals who destroyed the churches,” he said.
Justifying the extension of Emergency in the country, the minister said it was necessary for a thorough investigation and inquiries into those people who were involved directly or indirectly in the attacks.
“Emergency does not mean Sri Lanka is in danger. “The situation in the country is normal,” he added.
On how the attacks affected tourism in Sri Lanka, the minister said the country was expecting nearly three million tourists in 2019 before the April 21 happened. But tourism now is bouncing back, he added.
To attract more Indian tourists, different organisations of the country are rolling out packages for them.
(IANS)