While strongly condemning the Easter Sunday terror attacks on hotels and places of worship, The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) yesterday said the attacks will have an adverse impact on the country’s tourism industry.
"On behalf of THASL and the entire tourism Industry, we offer our heartfelt condolences to all those who have lost loved ones throughout the country, to the families of our overseas visitors who lost their lives at several hotels and to the families of our staff members who passed away doing what they love," THASL statement said.
THASL noted that these were well coordinated attacks on key economic targets and churches, where a large number of people gathered to celebrate Easter, with the intention to cause maximum casualties and disruption.
"Sri Lanka's tourism industry has been growing at a phenomenal rate since the end of the ethnic war 10 years ago and Easter Sunday's attacks will have an adverse impact.
We appeal to our overseas partners and public to continue to have faith in Sri Lanka and to support us at our time of grief as we need your help to overcome these grave challenges.
Our appeal to our fellow Sri Lankans is to stay united and strong. We are a strong country and we have overcome many challenging situations. Let's stand together, help one another, motivate each other and rise up," THASL said.