SriLankan President expresses optimism as govt prepares to resume economic activities from next week

SriLankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has expressed optimism that the economy adversely affected by COVID-19 could be re-built as government prepares to resume economic activities from next week gradually.

He expressed these sentiments during a meeting of Presidential task force for economic revival and poverty eradication which also discussed modalities for resumption of civilian life and work. President said apparel and tourism sectors which make a huge contribution to the national economy should be revitalized to suit the changing situations.

President expressed the view that new opportunities are open to attract tourists from countries where the COVID situation has subdued. He said medical tourism can be promoted by highlighting the capabilities of an indigenous medical system that was used for the treatment of the virus-infected people.

Rajpaksa said in order to encourage high-spending tourists, visa must be issued to them supplemented by an internationally recognized certificate. Meanwhile, 29 persons were tested positive of COVID yesterday bringing the number of active cases to 571.