Report claims that local fisherman have been forced off their land and denied access to the sea
British tour operators have been asked to recognise their responsibilities in Sri Lanka over claims that the construction of tourist resorts are having an adverse effect on the local population.
A report, called A Shadow on the Sunny Paradise, from the human rights organisation Society for Threatened Peoples (STP), claims that locals are not properly informed about the development of tourist projects that are of little benefit to them.
Three regions - Kuchchaveli and Passikudah on the east coast, and Kalpitiya, a hotspot for kite surfing in the west - have recently been developed to the detriment of 1,200 families, the report suggests.
“In the examined regions, the hotels and resorts often keep fishermen away from the sea, jeopardizing the economic livelihood of many families,” the report states. “Further, there are cases of land expropriation. Only a small part of the local population is able to live off tourism.”
Six years after the civil war, the society claimed that the Sri Lankan government is trying to paint a picture for tourists of a country that has returned to normal, but said that the reality was somewhat different.
Related Articles
“Tourists need to be aware that they are visiting a post-conflict country with a 26-year history of civil war, crimes that remain unaccounted for, and an alarming human rights record," Angela Mattli, from the society, told Telegraph Travel. "They should also be aware of the fact that the military plays a significant role in the tourism sector as well.”
Tour operators should not offer hotels or tourist attractions run by the armed forces if it cannot be proven that their ownership is not based on land grabbing or other human rights abuses, the report also suggested.
Passikudah
Passikudah
While recognising that some operators make the effort to “improve their compliance with human rights provisions,” STP said its report showed that these efforts are “not enough to make up for the lack of consultation procedures, for land expropriation, forced resettlement and restricted access to the sea in Sri Lanka.”
Tourism Concern, another ethical travel campaign group, said it too investigated tourism development in post-war Sri Lanka in 2011. It now backs the recommendations STP has made for tour operators to exercise due diligence regarding human rights in the country.
Abta, the Association of British Travel Agents, welcomed the report for highlighting what it said were important issues. It described Sri Lanka as a fast growing destination with lots to offer tourists but said that, as with all destinations, it is vital tourism “develops in a way that protects environments, promotes long term economic benefit and respects human rights.”
“We will continue to work with our members to review issues and raise any matters with the Sri Lankan authorities,” a spokesman added.
Kuoni, an operator with tours running in Sri Lanka, told Telegraph Travel it is committed to human rights due diligence. “We will continue to engage with partners in Sri Lanka to discuss issues and solutions,” its spokesman said.
Post a Comment