In the latest edition of LMD, the business journal speaks to the Managing Director of the Mahaweli Reach Hotel, Jayantha Panabokke, about how he views the hospitality sector in Sri Lanka. "Over the years, the profile of our visitors has deteriorated and their spending power is now lower," Panabokke tells LMD’s Namini Wijedasa.

Claiming that the past years have seen a significant deterioration in tourist arrivals, he cites poor infrastructure as being an obstacle to reaching the million tourists mark – which, as he points out, other countries in the region have achieved.

But he adds: "It can’t be done without peace."

Asked whether steps are being taken to meet these challenges, Panabokke says that "we are complacent about what we have, so sometimes we tend to be left behind."

Additionally, he states: "With the markets growing, the situation could improve – and hopefully, a peaceful settlement to the conflict will boost our prospects."

Panabokke also talks about the role the Government should play in marketing and upholding the destination’s true value. "Unless we receive support from the Government by way of relief to upgrade our plant and properties, sustaining the industry will become a challenge," he points out. There is also a need for the Government to examine its taxation policies, the veteran hotelier urges.