The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) said it welcomes the initiative of combining wildlife with tourism with THASL President Sanath Ukwatte stating: “Today, safari parks are [the] most sought after places visited by tourists and over-visitation of parks is a challenge for the industry. We commend this as a timely and appropriate step.”

THASL also welcomed the reappointment of John Amaratunga as Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs, while heralding the support and encouragement given by him in the past.

The tourism industry is the second highest foreign exchange earner for the country, and employs over 350,000 people both directly and indirectly.