Helicopter joyrides organised by the Chamber of Tourism and Industry Sri Lanka on Friday in Batticaloa in view of the Hajj festival drew a large number of local tourists, providingmore entertainment for the visitors to the east and supporting the Government’s effort to develop tourism in the area as well.

The inauguration ceremony held under the chairmanship of Chamber of Tourism and Industry Sri Lanka President A.M.Jaufar was attended by Batticaloa ayorThangarajahSaravananBawanas Chief Guest and Batticaloa AirportManager ChinthakaFonseka andBatticaloa Chamber of CommercePresident Selverajah as Guests of Honour.

Jaufar in his address said that tourism development in the east has been a popular topic for discussion during the past few years. “Though there is tremendous potential for development, whether due emphasis was given to the subject is doubtful. It is true that there has been a significant increase of hotel rooms in the area but important infrastructure and human resource development is yet to take place.”

The Chamber of Tourism and Industry has been pursuing this matter for quite some time and after a careful study of the requirements have prepared a 30-point program to be implemented in order to promote development of tourism in the area.

Bawan, Fonseka and Selverajah also addressed the gathering.

The chamber initiated this project in order more entertainment for the visitors to the east thus supporting the Government’s effort to develop tourism in the area. The helicopter joyrides paved the way for admiring the natural beauty of Batticaloa, Kattankudy and other coastal areas including the tourist resort Passikudah.

Source : http://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/Big-draw-for-Chamber-of-Tourism-and-Industry-s-Helicopter-tours/27-661750