Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament today that the recent letter issued by the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) regarding the promotion of LGBTQ tourism had not been discussed with or approved by the political leadership of the government.
Responding to a question raised by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Kavinda Jayawardana, the Prime Minister clarified that the SLTDA Chairman had acted independently and without prior consultation with the relevant political authorities.
She further informed the House that the subject Minister had already provided guidance to the SLTDA Chairman on the government’s official stance and policy on matters concerning LGBTQ issues.
Stressing the government’s position, Prime Minister Amarasuriya underscored that the state does not engage in granting special privileges or promoting any specific group, including the LGBTQ community.
Commenting further, the Prime Minister warned that sensitive topics such as these should not be exploited for political gain.
In June 2024, then-opposition Parliamentarian Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that their party (NPP) will support the private member Bill tabled by SLPP MP Premnath C. Dolawatte to decriminalise same-sex relationships under the Penal Code.
“We have been advocating for this community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning) for a while. They are also a part of this society. Gender identities are diverse, including those of the same-sex community. From the beginning, we have been of the stance that individuals should not be discriminated against, based on their gender,” she said.
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