Sri Lanka, Oct. 20 -- Speaking at the launch of the Gampaha District Tourism Promotion Strategic Plan in Negombo, Herath highlighted tourist safety as a major priority in the country's efforts to expand the tourism sector.

He said the government plans to strengthen the Tourist Police by introducing legislative amendments to grant it broader powers and establishing a specialized unit separate from the regular police service. Additional officers are also expected to be recruited to improve its capacity.

The Minister stressed that political and economic stability, together with a peaceful environment free from ethnic, religious and extremist conflicts, would be crucial to attracting more foreign visitors.

He noted that Sri Lanka's tourism...