Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva recently hailing the appointment of a Tourism Commissioner by the President, said other ministries too should follow example. “Most situations faced today could be resolved without allowing them to boil down to simmering conflicts.  What is needed is a positive approach and positive elements to suit the situation”, he said.

“The performance of the public service today is at a low compared to 40 years ago.  During that period, it was quality that prevailed and I was at the lower end of the spectrum, the Chief Justice said.  Today the subject clerk, the man dealing with persons with problems is least equipped to tackle the subject”, he pointed out

“The role of a Commissioner of Administration for Tourism was similar to that of an Ombudsman.  But the term Ombudsman carries Nordic nuances and hence it is better that we use a different term such as Commissioner”, he said.

The Chief Justice was addressing a gathering of Travel and Hospitality Industry personnel including tourism officials at a ceremony to mark the appointment of Appeal Court Judge L.K. Wimalachandra as Tourism Commissioner:

He commended Tourism Minister Milinda Moragoda for appointing a Tourism Commissioner to ensure fairness in the tourism industry, adding that appointment of such Commissioners to all ministries will benefit the country.

Justice Wimalachandra is a suave gentleman who would be able to tackle problems swiftly, he said.

Tourism Minister Milinda Moragoda said that three objectives that he set out for the ministry had been met.  A Sangha Advisory Council for advice and guidance on certain aspects in the industry, appointment of an authority to recommend solutions for concerns and disputes arising in the industry and to publish and distribute the book “Buddhism, Culture and Sri Lanka Pilgrim’s Guide” to hoteliers to be kept in every hotel room in Sri Lanka before end of this year were the three main aims he had in mind, he said.