The programme for building 50,000 more new hotel rooms to accommodate 2.5 million tourists expected in Sri Lanka by 2016, is now nearing completion to make the ‘Mahinda Chinthana Vision’ a reality.

The country’s Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said this while opening the newly-built Michelle Boutique Hotel in Balapitiya last week.

The number of tourist arrivals last year was over one million, exceeding the target. 

Minister Rajapaksa thanked Dr Saman Weerasinghe, chairman of Michelle Boutique Hotel, for the high standard of amenities for hotel guests.

According to Ranjaka De Mel, managing director of the hotel,  it is mainly Russian tourists who are attracted to the hotel since it is built according to Russian architecture.

By 2016, tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka are expected to generate an annual income of nearly $3 billion and create 500,000 jobs.

Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody, Russian Ambassador to  Sri Lanka Alexander Karchava ,Galle District MP Sajin Gunawardena, Bentota Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Gayan Sirimanne and SLTDA chairman Bashwara Goonaratne attended the opening of the hotel.