Dy. Tourism Minister walks away with TOYP award

by Chanuka Mannapperuma

Deputy Tourism Minister Faizer Musthapha was selected the Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) award by the Jaycees International for his contribution to the political field this year.

The TOYP awards were to honour individuals between the ages of 18 to 40 who had demonstrated the best in various fields including politics, academic leadership and culture. Deputy Minister Musthapha told the Sunday Observer, "it was Tourism Minister Milinda Moragoda who nominated me for the TOYP award. By this nomination the Minister Moragoda has shown that he has confidence in me" he said.

Speaking about his current role in tourism promotion the Deputy Minister has started tapping the lucrative Middle-East market. While Sri Lanka's market has dipped compared to last year the Middle East market however has grown by 20 percent, he claims. "When I was in Saudi Arabia in year 2005 there was no tourism promotion there, but now South Arabia is the second largest travel destination after India". The Middle East market has opened the doors for 75,000 youth for employment within the next two years" he said.

"The Tourism Ministry is already conducting a two month training course mainly based on hotel sector which cost Rs. 10,000 for each person and a loan scheme has been arranged with Ceylinco Bank to assist them.

Adding further, Deputy Minister said, that due to terrorism there was a brake down in the tourism sector, but it has been overcome and most of the countries know that Sri Lanka is a safe destination to travel.

"With the high growth from the Middle-East countries we are planning to set up a travel office there with an official. And also we are looking forward to arrange a media tour to there and planning to get down some journalists from there to visit our country" Minister said. As a result of that Russia is now planning to introduce charter flights to Colombo on a regular basis.

"My belief is that the country must strive hard for a Sri Lankan identity and there should be no discrimination based on ethnicity.

To develop this country I share the same vision of the President Mahinda Rajapaksa that all Sri Lankans, whether Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim or burgher should be treated without bias thus to create a brighter future for all of us" he said.