Many tourism industry leaders have decided to boycott Sri Lanka Tourism Awards ceremony this year, as President Maithripala Sirisena has been invited as the Chief Guest.
Sirisena
They have expressed disgust at the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has invited Sirisena, the man who is responsible for ruining the tourism industry this year by engineering a constitutional coup and a political crisis, as the Chief Guest of the event.
Sri Lanka Tourism Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place tomorrow (06) at Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo.
Multiple hotel chains have decided to not stand up if and when their names are announced as award winners in the event Sirisena attends the ceremony as the chief guest.
When the event was first planed in October the SLTDA decided to invite ousted Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Chief Guest. In the aftermath of the constitutional crisis on October 26, the SLTDA changed its decision opted to invite British High Commissioner James Dauris as the Chief Guest of the event. Colombo Telegraph learns that SLTDA Director General Upali Ratnayake has then decided to invite Sirisena, the man who drove the tourism industry to the ground this year by triggering a political turmoil, as the Chief Guest of the event.
As a result of the downfall of the tourism industry last month, over 300,000 jobs have been affected and all tourism related industries have experienced a steep drop in their revenue.
The decision has now sparked a serious controversy in the tourism industry with tourism industry leaders decided to express their objections over the decision to invite Sirisena as the Chief Guest.
Craig / December 5, 2018
I do hope that our other corporate leaders big and small will boycott every single event that involves the participation of the “President”. I was appalled to read how the food and beverages industry had met the Fake PM last week and obtained a cut on the sugar tax that was quite fairly and squarely levied on the industry to cut out excessive consumption of sugar by consumers. There is no doubt that this lunatic President is the cause of our country being swiftly transformed into a dysfunctional state without a PM nor a Cabinet. How can we lobby that he be examined and evaluated by a Psychiatrist? Otherwise we all end up being hoppered left right and centre.
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SF / December 5, 2018
Agreed 100%.
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babanpunchi / December 5, 2018
Craig,
we are from Europe. As my info prove, that over 30% of the travellers have cancelled their bookings to lanka in this winter. If things would worsen this manner, we will be conrered in this world.
Lawyers, Engineers, Medical Doctors and all professionasl should come forward at this highly critical turning point of the coutnry, protest that President has been totally ignorant to the democratic principles in the country.
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Hilton / December 5, 2018
Thanks brother.
We agree.
We need to stand up now
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wannihami / December 5, 2018
That is incorrect. Inca CEO said that only 10% had been canceled.
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Amarasiri / December 5, 2018
Dear Tourism Industry Leaders,
Who is that idiot who decided to invite Sirisena who has destroyed your industry overnight because of personal greed, and you are doing the right thing, by boycotting or ignoring . Sirisena is the Traitor, Quisling, Sevalya, Mala-Perethaya, Patholaya and Pachaya, In whom the courts have given clear verdicts.
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K.Anaga / December 5, 2018
Srilankans have no time to tour the Island- They are all busy ‘Touring the pages’ of our Constitution to ascertain- Who is Right- What is Right,How is it Right, Why is it Right and what not.
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Amarasiri / December 5, 2018
Craig,
This Sirisena is the madman the late Dr. N M Perera warned about presciently in 1978 during the debate on the executive presidency. Sadly, it ha come true. He has turned out to be Lanka’s Niro.
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executive from co operate / December 5, 2018
Ayyo sin innocent unpers the co operate leaders has to support them what a joke , do you think the cooperate leaders can support the poor party like unp innocent leadera like Jr or premadasa who are unable to uplift the srilankan economy up to at least 15 billion USD before 2005. Before 2005 the srilankan economy was only 20billion USD and percapital was 1000 USD the same as Somalia . we the co operate wants to support a party like unp which kept the srilanka as the same size economy of Somalia . after 2005 when slfp if Mahinda took this country he has converted this 20 billion economy in to 80 billion USD in just ten years and made the per capital in to 3800 USD in just 10 years. He and slfp government brought 1693 million USD foreign direct investment to srilanka. So in economic point of view the slfp is the mahindas rule is the golden era of srilanka with proofed statistics. Slfp are the architects of this 80 billion business economy , we obviously know mahinda is a Hitler and a dictator and not a innosent pathola unp governments and Jr, premadasa presidents. For the eco imic management slfp governments are master managers and genious. Slfp governments has this economic performance records. Unp are Democratic ,very innocent not rude governments like slfp but in economic and business management are unpers are fools and idiots . how a co operate can support economic management idiots like unp governments . if any one expect a support for unp from co operates please show us the economic performance record of unp. The innocent comment writers are you all expecting the co operate companies to go and support like economic management idiots like unp who created the darkest era of srilankan economy and business during 2015 – 2018 .
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craig / December 5, 2018
Another great moment:
“Frames of Resistance…
On 28 November, at the annual National Youth Drama Awards held at Nelum Pokuna, two young artists – Surin Chamara and Kasun Ukwatta– made a singular public statement against the prevailing political culture of corruption, greed and shamelessness in this country.Like the quiet integrity of the 90-year-old Tamil civil servant, and the flamboyant courage of the young Sinhala artists, let us retain our approval and our association only for those who really deserve it
Dramatically,in full sight of a live audience, these two young artists refused to accept awards from the hands of two chief guest politicians on the stage – Udaya Gammanpila and Duminda Dissanayake. They insisted, instead, on receiving their awards from other officials who happened to be there.In that moment, that awful Nelum Pokuna stage, which is still associated in the public’s mind with the corruption, greed and shamelessness of the Rajapaksa regime, became a site of dignity and of people’s resistance…”
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Vanguard / December 5, 2018
This is political pure and simple. If Ranil W was invited then who would also boycott?
These people are making a big mistake by taking sides .
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gamini / December 5, 2018
No sooner Foreign Diplomats unofficially announced that any person involves him /herself in the unlawful exercise of Govt Change is liable to Visa cancellation and confiscation of assets of such individuals. Gota who was very busy organising meetings for Viyathmaga and Eliya has dissapeared altogether. Bloody Humbugs!
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Yahapalanaya / December 5, 2018
Good observation. Oct 26 soon after the illegal coup GR was seen really excited and speaking to the media on how he could work to bring back the country to the position it was pre 2015. But now he has gone underground. BR could be seen occasionally.
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Kushan / December 5, 2018
who will attend meetings when a bustard who destroyed their industry is invited
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Manel Fonseka / December 5, 2018
It seems a perfectly justifiable form of non violent protest — show of disapproval. Those who dont feel MS has caused chaos etc, are perfectly free to act differently. And if Ranil had been the CG & seemed equally culpable, calling for such an action would be equally acceptable.
At least those who make their protest quietly, by not going up on the stage, will not be engaging in the uncivilized behaviour those paid to represent our and the country’s interest displayed in the House in November
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Manel Fonseka / December 5, 2018
Wouldn’t be surprised if he too now decides to boycott the ceremony!
Another trick out of his hat!
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K. C. John / December 6, 2018
His serfs must by frantically trying to change the scope of the awards to be presented.
Don’t be surprised if the best hotel award is given to the training one run by the SLITHM (Hotel School), the best tourist transport providers are the CTB or the CGR etc. etc.!
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Manel Fonseka / December 6, 2018
And that’s what he actually did! He boycotted the ceremony!
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Sinhala_Man / December 7, 2018
The oracle of Delphi got it right:
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https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/sirisena-ducks-tourism-awards-to-avoid-public-humiliation-bans-govt-institutions-from-using-hotels-for-state-events/comment-page-1/#comment-2233430
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The boycott was sensible enough, but then displaying so much ill-humour by hitting back at the “Hospitality Industry” so fast was hardly Presidential.
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All For One / December 5, 2018
It’s not about taking sides. MY3 was the sole reason for creating the instability with his sudden decisions. Even when the various business individuals tried to talk to him to resolve the instability he gave the impression that he didn’t care. I think everyone should not show up tomorrow and show MY3 what a terrible leader he had been
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Vanguard / December 6, 2018
Nice to see 79 downvotes when I suggested that people would shamelessly accept awards from alleged bondscammer Ranil.
He could give out the investor of the decade award.
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critical thinking / December 5, 2018
MS must be impeached soon in the interest of 22 million Lankans. otherwise, this country will go into a rapid down fall in economy and business sectors. tourism industry lost a lot by now. He is a trouble maker.. .. He is greedy for power for that he put the lives of people in danger and the entire country in danger.. One man show is no good for the country.
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Malith dalpathadu / December 5, 2018
Ranil has run the tourism industry and every other industry down for the past four years. Thank god the President made the right decision by kicking him out
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Dilshan / December 5, 2018
Is it in your dreamworld of Jarapakse S in power . Industry figures tourism hss flourished in the last few years especially with no rapes of foreigners by Jarapakses’s acolytes who were visited by jarapakse even recently
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Anver Jalaldeen / December 5, 2018
Dilshan go suck maithrees and mahindas ass and dick We would have not faced this trauma if this guy could not handle the presure.
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Native Vedda / December 5, 2018
Dilshan
–
“Industry figures tourism hss flourished in the last few years especially with no rapes of foreigners by Jarapakses’s acolytes who were visited by jarapakse even recently”
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British tourist who caught an STD and didn’t know if her baby was her husband’s after being raped by electrician at luxury hotel during Sri Lanka holiday is denied compensation
http://www.dailymail.co.uk
26 April 2018
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Dutch tourists brutally assaulted
2018-04-10
http://www.dailymirror.lk
–
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Maharage, / December 5, 2018
Dalpathadu,
Then, MaRa should be buried alive for heinous crimes he committed. He destroyed our future by mortgaging the country to dirty Chinese
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Radical Ideas / December 5, 2018
This is a very good move made by the industry members. The fall out MaRa Sira conspiracy cant get worse than this.
All people and the business crowd must stand up against Mahinda and his expected vengeful tactics that he is famous for using against the opponents.
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Real Revolutionist / December 5, 2018
Radical Ideas
Express solidarity with corrupt & feeble RW & make the whole economy gloomy.
Personal interests must be 2nd to national interests.
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Radical Ideas / December 5, 2018
RR, no.. we must stand with the more forward thinking JVP. Only they can be the ones to take over the system now…. What my gut feeling is that there is a shadow govt., which is controlling everything from behind the scenes. The Gang Kabara Sira cannot have so much of stamina to stay on fighting for his evils, unless he is backed by an unseen Super Force Shadow power rendering him blood to fight. Maybe, the trio MaRa, Sira and Ranil are captives of a dark force forcing them to commit political Harakiri…. someone from the inside must whistle blow the truth behind this stipudity….
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Real Revolutionist / December 5, 2018
There’s nothing serious here
It’s natural in such a situation for some to behave like that.
There’s no proof that it’s because of the president tourism is going backward.
Let those who want to boycott to do that to find that they’ll not gain considerable support for it.
It’s not president behavior that has crippled economy.
However it must be mentioned that there’s no reliable source to say tourism has been affected he recent past.
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Lankan / December 5, 2018
This power greedy man is shame to Sri Lankans. He destroyed 70 years democratic tradition of Sri Lanka. He is indeed, Hitler of Sri Lanka. He must be sent into jail for breaching all norms of democracy.
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Dushantha Alawattegama / December 5, 2018
Finally, a prudent response from the people.
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Simon De Silva / December 5, 2018
This i sa good move.
Almost everyone should stand up against the injustice at this highly critical juncture of the country, being caught a tinpot dictator , SIRIISENA,
We should all support democracy and human rights.
Sirisena has NOT been given a mandate of 6.2 mio not to abuse his power, but he has been proving, he does not respect evne judicial decisions to this date.
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Estate Labourer / December 5, 2018
Correction: He is not a ‘Tinpot Dictator’; he is an ‘Aappa Thaatchuwa Dictator’.
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Anonymous / December 5, 2018
Time for a petition to impeach President Maithripala Sirisena for betraying the country and all those who voted for him.
We also need legal action against those behind #CoupLk
These acts of treason should not go unpunished
#ImpeachPresidentMaithripalaSirisena
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Sam Fernando / December 5, 2018
I hope Tourism Industry leaders will set an example so that others leaders can follow them.
Each and everyone should rally round to standa gainst anti democratic behavoiurs of tinpot dictator SIRISENA.
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Shukoor / December 5, 2018
What tourism for moda Sinhala peasants who got the independence prematurely from Brits when these gadayas were struggling to maintain their own families. Probably British wanted Tamils and Muslims suffer with these Modayas in power, or just they did it for entertainment purpose to see the clowns messing up the things remotely
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Lalin DeMel / December 5, 2018
Hope all stake holders in the industry will stand by this decision not only tourism industry every other industry should follow
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Ranjan Fernando / December 5, 2018
To be honest with Sirisena being the chief guest there is nothing to celebrate.
I think the whole event should be called off to avoid a farce.
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gamini / December 5, 2018
Is this Upali Ratnayake aka Cheena an old boy of TCK the Director General of SLTDA? He once took over Wesley College as Principal and was kicked out no sooner he was appointed. God help Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority if he is the same person
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Ajay / December 5, 2018
SLTDA Donkey General Upali Ratnayake is a disgrace to tourism industry. Perhaps his plan is to attract more tourists by showcasing Sri Lanka as the only country in the world without a government, and instead run by a Neanderthal as the President.
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Upali / December 5, 2018
Well done. United we stand.
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Siri / December 5, 2018
The very instant when I saw the YouTube video, Lonely Planet naming Sri Lanka the best and number one country to travel in 2019, tear drops were pouring down from my eyes, thinking that the worst was over and there going to be silver line for the country, after years of bad and battering of it’s image. Thought all would size up this moment and move forward the country for the good of all. After learning the President’s recent terrible actions and the rotten law markers rowdy behaviours in parliament, I was devastated, and despising and cursing our politicians for interneity for they wouldn’t let this country and the people to have a better life owing to their selfish greed for power and wealth. Even though, we live in the far corners of the world but we have deep attachments for that Paradise where we are born, brought up and got educated plus still our kits and kin are living. Only solution for this condrum is mobilize the masses to elect better quality leaders to the seats of power to develop, and bring about a better system of governance, and banish these rotten lot for good else no selvation for the the country and poor people. Period
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rasu / December 5, 2018
THESE POWER COUNTRY PEOPLE RUN THE COUNTRY AT ANY COST, NOT THINKING ABOUT THE COUNTRY AND THE PEOPLE, HOW DO YOU EXPECT THESE PEOPLE RESPECT MINORITIES IN THE COUNTRY.
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edwin rodrigo / December 5, 2018
Mr. President, may I remind you of a quotation by H. L. Mencken (American writer)? Democracy is the art and science of running the circus from the monkey cage. Though my fellow commentators may not agree with me, that explains everything about what is happening now. To be more precise, the country is a circus and you are the monkey who runs it from your cage.
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And what does that make us – the people who put you in power? That makes us donkeys ruled by a monkey.
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Sinhala_Man / December 5, 2018
Dashed good!
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First it was some actors (or was it singers?) Now it’s tourism; let’s hope it spreads.
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However, I’m perturbed to find one person asking for proof that the cause is My3. Rather like Donald Trump saying that Global Warming is fake science.
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I don’t have personal knowledge of all subjects but if we want Democracy to work you ought to be able to evaluate what authorities in a subject are saying.
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May no blood be shed but may all the suprannuated be thrown down.
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I too am old!
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Ranjith Sl / December 5, 2018
Let the coart to take decision on constitutional matters…This is tourism… 1985 to 2009 tourism falls due to LTTE….. But since 2009 no one blame to LTTE regarding lost of Tourism income…So at this time SLTDA booked hotel …if they couldn’t held as sedual looking public money…Not Srisena or Ranil or Mahinda’s
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Lankesh / December 5, 2018
Yes good idea but not sure about the doctors,may be you are living in Europe,but things has changed when you were living here before.them and these fake govnt almost same they ransack for their demands and bring it to halt of our loving nation.
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Kugan / December 5, 2018
Come on guys don’t you know wealthy tourists are pouring through deserted air port,that’s like bird sanctuary no disturbance for birds no engine noise nor landings or take offs
Don’t worry our hard working laddies in the ME bring exchange
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shankar / December 5, 2018
why should he care for tourists not coming.Hardly any of them go to pollonnaruwa.
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Lankan / December 5, 2018
He may have done the damage but he made ultimate end to MR and goons of their political future wisely.
He is not sinking alone ,he took it with him.
People are clear and united no room for dirty poli of old days.
2019 will open up for good path,am last it’s really come down to the people hand,we all unite and build our lovely nation.there is lot of work to be done we have enough courageous and talented people are there.
We are united as Sri lankan.we keep that way.stop calling names who ate there diaspora they all SLankans sake of the visa got different nationalities,we contribute a lot,go to a Tesco in UK you could see elephant soda, Maliban lemon puff fish etc who benefit it .
Don’t destroy the country,
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Menik / December 5, 2018
I will be a participant tomorrow. I intend to wear a black band. I ask everyone to do please do same.
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Raizuh Langai / December 5, 2018
Guys
Please don’t do this. Gamarala will sack you all thinking he has the constitutional power to do so!
By the way, Field Marshal had suggested that top politicos should annually be checked for their mental fitness to hold power like in USA. I think the people of our country should be sent to the Mental Hospital instead voting for idiots as our rulers.
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Usha Sri Skandarajah / December 5, 2018
Whatever said and done I have a soft corner for Sirisena, a man with inhuman qualities
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Tamara / December 5, 2018
Ranil is the longest serving MP in the parliament uninterupted from 1977. Sirisena lies saying he did politics for 50 years. Until Chandrika brought him to the parliament in early 90s noone had even heard of the man. He was a grama sevaka in Polonnaruwa. Even there people had put up posters asking for his removal in the 80s.
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Mano Thiththakahata / December 5, 2018
Pohottuwa are demanding elections. If fair elections are held (doubtful) UNP will then. Sirisena will again stop Ranil. Where and when will this end?
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