The Chairman of Sri Lanka's Tourism Board has appealed to the international media, asking them to avoid making exaggerated claims when reporting on the aftermath of the Tsunami. Mr Udaya Nanayakkara said that several international television channels were currently giving the impression that land mines exposed by the Tsunami were risking lives in the tourist areas affected by the waves.

�I am not saying that there is no risk of land mines being exposed, there is. But several reports give the distinct impression that these land mines are in tourist areas, and that foreign visitors face a high degree of risk,� he said.

�The fact is that the land mines are in very remote areas within the Northern Peninsula of the island as far away as 400-500 kilometres from the southern coast where most tourist resorts are in operation. �The media should be presenting an accurate picture of the situation, especially at a time such as this where the economy of a nation, and a grieving population, are striving to regain normalcy.�

Mr Nanayakkara's sentiments were echoed by senior officials involved in the de-mining of remote parts of the island. Brigadier Daya Ratnayake, head of the National De-mining Commission said there were no mines in tourist areas or even in areas frequented by the general public. �We see no threat to tourists, the general public or aide workers from mines or the possibility of mines having moved.�

�We are aware of the locations of mines in the deep interior of the north east where the internal conflict prevailed. To our knowledge, mines that have appeared have been deactivated. �

Mr Nanayakkara also addressed media speculation about health issues. �The national health services have not reported any incident of disease or epidemics, contrary to speculation,� he said. Back in Business Mr Nanayakkara reported that an increasing number of hotels, particularly on the south coast, were back in business again , servicing a number of tourists who are determined to carry on with their holidays.

Following an initial asses s ment of the tourism infrastructure in the affected areas, Mr. Nanayakkara said, � Of the 48 hotels affected, 26 are operational. The remaining 22 non-operational hotels have varying degrees of damage , but only six hotels suffered serious structural damage. We will be able to restore the majority of these non-operational hotels within a matter of weeks.�

Speaking on the overall health, water and sanitation issues, Mr. Nanayakkara stated , " All operational hotels and resorts have been assessed for purity of water. Sanitation and power are operating at pre-tsunami standards. � The Sri Lanka Tourist Board Chief said the best references on the security situation were the tourists themselves. �Many tourists relied on the locals for safety and food until arrangements were in place to return to Colombo,� he said. The Sri Lanka Tourist Board will continue to assess and update the status of tourism infrastructure in the affected areas, please refer to www.contactsrilanka.org for further details.

Media requests should be forwarded to contactsrilanka@gmail.com or call the designated media hotline +94 11 474 0219

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