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Sri Lanka Bans ‘Foreigners Only’ Hotels 🔴 Strong Legal Action Signaled Against Discrimination of Local Tourists The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) emphasizes that operating "Foreigners Only" hotels and restaurants is entirely illegal. Hotel owners have no legal grounds to discriminate against any paying local tourist based on race, religion, or skin color. The SLTDA noted that all establishments have been informed about this through special notices since May of last year. SLTDA Chairman Suranjith Wawita stated that denying entry to local tourists in this manner is a violation of fundamental rights. He requested the public to immediately report any such incidents of discrimination to the authority's Standard and Quality Assurance Department, assuring that such complaints will be thoroughly investigated and met with strict legal action. However, despite these legal provisions, intense discussions have surfaced on social media regarding local tourists still facing unfair treatment at certain establishments along the southern coastal belt. A local tourist named Sri Guruge shared an incident where security personnel denied him entry and threatened him when he attempted to enter a restaurant named "Groove Garden" in Midigama alongside five Italian friends, leaving him deeply embarrassed in front of his foreign companions. On the other hand, representatives of hotel owners and business operators argue that improper behavior and alcohol-induced disruptions by certain local tourists are the primary reasons behind these restrictions. A Facebook page named "Down South Lands" posted that conflicts arising when locals and foreigners mix have forced establishment owners to implement limits for ease of business operations and the safety of all patrons. While the SLTDA acknowledges that finding practical solutions to issues arising from mixing local and foreign tourists can be challenging for business owners, it reiterated that discriminating between tourists in violation of national law cannot be accepted. The authority maintains that providing quality service while treating all customers equally is essential for the sustainability of the tourism industry. Source: BBC Sinhala