Accommodation for visitor during the English Tour 2003

The Prime Minister Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe has come to the rescue by making available the government circuit bungalows to meet the excessive demand for accommodation to manage the influx of tourists expected during the forth coming English cricket tour in Nov/Dec this year.

The decision to utilize the circuit bungalows was announced further to the Prime Minister's meeting with the President of the BCCSL, Mr. Thilanga Sumathipala at a meeting held recently.

The shortage of rooms for about 3000 more visitors expected are unable to be accommodated in the out station hotels due to the heavy demand as most hotels are over booked. Mr. Thilanga Sumathipala, when discussing the details of the England Tour of Sri Lanka, brought this to the attention of the Prime Minister. In the light of the importance of the situation considering the foreign exchange the country could earn. The Ceylon Tourist Board and Sri Lanka Cricket are taking all necessary steps to meet the requirements of the expected tourist.

In addition to upgrade the Government Circuit Bungalows, the BCCSL President Mr. Thilanga Sumathipala had a meeting with the Ceylon Tourist Board Chairman; Mr. Paddy Withana to look into the possibility of utilizing suitable private residents' that are located in the desired areas who may have the opportunity to make an additional income. Such residents' are requested to register with Jetwing Travels who have been appointed as BCCSL agent to look into the logistic and reservations for the guest who arrive for the England Tour.