A delegation headed by Deputy Minister of Tourism Faiszer Musthapha, visited Japan last week to strengthen travel ties with Japan and to discuss the travel advisory issued by the Japanese government. 

On his visit, the minister was greeted by Japan’s Senior Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Vice Minister Ms. Midori Matsushima and Senior Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Hitoshi Kimura.

Deputy Minister Faiszer Musthapha who explained the current state of the tourism industry said, "Although there are unfortunate incidences that eventually gave negative publicity, there weren’t a moment where foreigners were being targeted and the government has taken all measures to ensure the security of the foreigners and the travel advisory issued by the Japanese government has been a serious matter that needs to be ‘re-studied’ or will be badly affected".

The minister also briefed that Sri Lanka has explored the potential markets and the tourism industry is aggressively carrying out promotional campaigns to woo more tourists to the island. "The forthcoming SAARC Summit in Colombo will welcome eight world leaders which is self-explanatory that Sri Lanka is parallel to other tourism destination and above all, is a safe destination," said the minister.

The Deputy Minister also extended an invitation to Japanese travel delegation and officials to visit Sri Lanka to experience what the land has to offer that would ultimately benefit both countries and requested the officials to take best possible action to withdraw the travel advisory considering the real situation of the country, bilateral relations between the two friendly nations and as an effective tourism partner of Sri Lanka through out history.

"Sri Lanka is one of the few countries which boast seven world heritage sites and Sri Lanka Cultural Heritage Exhibition in Tokyo will deliver a good message on Sri Lanka for attracting more tourists from Japan", said Vice Minister Ms. Midori Matsushima.

She further added that, the travel advisory issued by the Japanese Foreign Ministry will be ‘re-studied’ and she promised to take up the matter with the officials.

Vice Minister Hitoshi Kimura on the other hand, stated that there have been certain changes in Sri Lanka Tourism and the travel advisory issue will be addressed more effectively. He also expressed his happiness on successful completion of eastern province election and he said that the Sri Lanka President is in the right direction of transfer of power.