Addressing a press conference at the Tourist Board Auditorium, the Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Affairs John Amaratunga said that the industry will be improved using the Mattala Airport.

Amaratunga pointed out that the Foreign Employment Division takes the foremost place among the foreign exchange earning avenues in the country. He said although many Sri Lankans employed in foreign countries try to come to Sri Lanka due to various crises in those countries,. such things have not happened to the tourism industry in Sri Lanka.

An International Hotel Businessman Fransis John expressing his views said Sri Lanka is an attractive country with a peaceful environment and they hope to construct hotels islandwide.

Aitken Spence Group Chairman Hary Jayawardena said a new hotel complex with 500 rooms is being constructed in Ahungalla. The unemployment issue of the youths will be resolved with the expansion of the tourism sector, he said.