Sri Lanka government continue recognition of Halal

The Sri Lanka government continues with the recognition of Halal, despite all the protests and objections by some hardline groups, especially Bodu Bala Sena (Buddhist Power Force), against the sale and distribution of Halal products in the island nation, ‘Colombo Gazette’ has reported.

The government is making arrangements to ensure, with more tourists expected from the Middle East by 2016, leading hotels cater to the needs of them which includes providing Halal certified foods.

An External Affairs Ministry (EAM) statement has said that Sri Lanka will focus more on fine-tuning facilities such as, training and developing Arab speaking guides and hotel staff to familiarize with Middle Eastern customs, villa type accommodation and Halal food.

In this year and 2016, the Sri Lanka Tourist Board expects to attract 90,000 visitors from the Middle East, according the statement and the total expectation from the Middle East will rise up to 200,000 arrivals among the Sri Lankan government targeting 2.5 million tourist arrivals.

EAM said that Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Kuwait held a road show in Kuwait recently to promote Sri Lanka as an attractive tourist destination.