Institute of National Security Studies (INSS) organized a Threat Lens on “Balancing Tourism with COVID 19”
Institute of National Security Studies (INSS) held a ‘Threat Lens’ a close door roundtable discussion at the Ministry of Defence with the participation of a number of experts to discuss particular threats to Sri Lanka’s National Security. The Threat lens was titled “Balancing Tourism with COVID 19” and was held at the main auditorium in the Ministry of Defence on 09th February 2021 from 1500hrs to – 1430hrs.
The COVID-19 pandemic has given birth to a global humanitarian crisis effecting global health, economy, politics and social wellbeing. Amongst the sectors impacted, world tourism experienced the heaviest blow. Sri Lanka’s tourism industry drastically fell due to the COVID 19 Pandemic. The discussion by various stakeholders at this ‘Threat Lens’ comprehensively aimed to address the contemporary issues related to revival of tourism focusing on how the relevant authorities should grapple economic security, and health security in ensuring national security.
The Threat Lens’ was chaired by General (Retd) G.D.H. Kamal Gunaratne WWV RWP RSP USP ndc psc MPhil Secretary to the State Ministry of National Security, Home Affairs and Disaster Management, and the guest speaker was Dr. Prasad Jayasuriya, Director, Tourism Planning, Development and Investor Relations at the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). Other experts who contributed for this discussion were Dr. (Ms.) Lakshmi Somathunga, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health; Dr Sapumal Dhanapala, National Professional Officer for Health Emergency; Dr. (Ms.) Susie Perera, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Health; Dr. Inoka Suraweera, Consultant Community Physician Environmental & Occupational Health; OIC Prabath Vidanagamage, Tourism Police and Air Commodore MDJ Wasage.
By Udeshika Jayasekara Research Assistant Media Release of Institute of National Security Studies, Sri Lanka (INSSSL)