SLTDA authorises Tourist Police to check tourist service providers
The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has delegated authority to the Tourist Police to check guides, tourist drivers and other services — including accommodation, water sports centres and restaurants — in a bid to regulate a growing informal sector which, according to industry sources, is also increasingly seeing foreigners offering such facilities without the relevant permits.
“This interference results in the provision of inferior services, especially when it comes to guide services, which includes giving inaccurate information, seizing opportunities from formal guides and drivers, and offering subpar services to tourists, setting a negative precedent to newcomers,” says a letter sent last week by the SLTDA Director-General to the head of the Tourist Police.
While the letter does not specifically mention foreigners, questions are increasingly raised about tourists who work during their stays in Sri Lanka — especially as yoga instructors or running surf camps — without the requisite licences. The SLTDA’s letter to the Tourist Police indicates that the sector is being looked at as a whole.
The problem of unlicensed tour guides and tourist drivers is particularly marked in Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy and Anuradhapura, the SLTDA DG says, instructing that identification be examined at the gates of archaeological sites.
Where beaches are concerned, the SLTDA asks for the Police to check for “unauthorised services for boats and other services, such as restaurants, water sports centres, and accommodation services”.
“The names of persons/ organisations conducting unauthorised services will be recorded and given an opportunity to comply with regulations or register with SLTDA,” the letter states. “A weekly list of violators will be provided to SLTDA. In case of repeated violations, proposed actions include legal proceedings by both the enforcement unit of SLTDA and Tourist Police.”
In a separate letter, the SLTDA has instructed the Tourist Police to act against “over-charging and harassment of tourists” by tuk tuk drivers near railway stations, which it states “poses a threat to the enhancement of tourist services during movement in the country”.
The DG urges the Police to identify locations where such incidents are prevalent. The SLTDA recommends introducing a system wherein tuk tuk drivers are required to display their rates prominently and to agree on fares with passengers before providing services.
“Additionally, we require monitoring of these locations and the maintenance of records for service persons, both at tourist and normal Police stations,” he proposes. “It is imperative to prevent tuk tuk drivers from establishing a monopoly over formal taxi services and ensure that tourists are not subject to exorbitant fees.”
Where beaches are concerned, the SLTDA asks for the Police to check for “unauthorised services for boats and other services, such as restaurants, water sports centres, and accommodation services”.