SINCE helping end the civil war in 2009, Sri Lanka’s military has taken on an active role in the country’s tourism industry, in addition to its normal duties.
The airforce operates return-passenger flights from Colombo to the northern city of Jaffna, while the army is involved in tourism development in the country’s north and east.
The navy, on the other hand, operates a short-distance cruise liner for corporate functions and weddings, and also recently launched whale-watching cruises using a passenger vessel.
Tour operators and special invitees were on board the inaugural cruise earlier this week. Whale-watching enthusiasts get the chance to observe these mammals in the blue waters off the eastern port city of Trincomalee.
Sri Lankan waters are well-known for its blue whales and sperm whales, particularly just off the coast in the east, south and north-west regions.
