Move to charge foreigners USD 15 for Galle ramparts; bad idea say some, not so say others
A move by the Cultural Affairs Ministry to charge USD 15 from foreigners entering the Galle Fort ramparts has drawn strong reactions from residents and those with business interests in the area. They claim this move would reduce tourists.
"There will be a drop in the number of foreigners visiting the Galle Fort," Galle Fort Civil Protection Committee Chairman Naseer Hussain said.
"Around 60% of the people in this area depend on tourism. As foreigners are high spenders, our local vendors might lose many sales. Moreover, this idea was not directly communicated to our association's members. We were informed by a third party," Mr Hussain said.
He added that Galle Fort was an area for anyone to visit at anytime of the day without restrictions, which is rare when compared to other cultural heritage sites.
Three associations, the Galle Fort Civil Protection Committee, the Galle Fort Business Association, and the Galle Fort Residents Association, met with the Chairman of the Galle Heritage Foundation and handed over a letter addressing this issue. The three associations and religious heads of the area had engaged in a silent protest by displaying black flags and slogans near the Galle Fort ramparts.
Galle Fort Business Association Chairman Madhu Mihiraj said the Ministry should charge tourists visiting the Galle Fort lighthouse, and charge a lesser amount for those visiting the ramparts.
However, Galle Heritage Foundation Chairman Nilan Cooray said he didn't think the number of foreigners would drop. He said with this move, security within the premises would be strengthened, as this would be controlled by Government authorities. While the authorities overseeing the Galle Fort did not charge an entrance fee, an entrance fee was charged from visitors at many other cultural heritage sites, he added.
"When tickets are issued, the place can be maintained well, security can be provided. Similarly, back in the 1980s, when a fee was to be charged from visitors at Sigiriya, people protested. But now people understand the importance of an entrance fee,” he said.
With this ticket foreigners would have access to the Galle Fort ramparts and they could also visit the Maritime Museum, the National Heritage Museum, and the newly opened Galle Fort underground passage. Currently, there were three separate tickets for these places, he added.
"Since the country is struggling to pay off debts, this would be a helpful initiative," he added.
Written concerns raised by all parties were addressed to the President. A meeting would be scheduled with all parties and the Buddhasasana and Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister.