Mangala And SLTDA Step In To Remove Habaraduwa “Cultural Police” Dress Code For Tourists

OCTOBER 18, 2018

Finance and Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has questioned the senior Police authorities on the ridiculous notice put up by the Habaraduwa Community Police Unit requesting tourists to dress according to the “Sri Lankan culture” when travelling in the area.

Government Information Director Sudarshana Gunawardena said Samaraweera yesterday brought the matter to the attention of Law and Order Minister Ranjith Madddumabandara and asked him to intervene in removing the notice. Maddumabandara has agreed to the request, in principle, and promised to take necessary action, Colombo Telegraph learns.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority also tweeted that it took up the matter with all relevant authorities as such demands were detrimental to the tourism industry of Sri Lanka.

In a strongly-worded tweet, the SLTDA said it was concerned about the notice displayed by the Community Police Unit in Habaraduwa.

“Dress code policing” is unneeded and unwarranted for tourists enjoying the scenic beaches of Sri Lanka. SLTDA has taken this up with all relevant authorities. We expect to see progress soon,” it also said.

Following interventions by the Finance Minister and the SLTDA, IGP Pujith Jayasuriya has asked for a preliminary report from the regional Police authorities about the incident. The notice is expected to be removed today.

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