People enjoy the sunset view on a bridge at the Galle Face Green in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Jan. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Tang Lu)
Sri Lanka is to launch a mobile app operated in seven languages with a 24-hour active call center to protect tourists.
COLOMBO, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka is to launch a mobile app from March 1 to protect tourists, Tourism Minister Harin Fernando said on Saturday.
The minister, addressing an event in Colombo, said this is one of the best mobile applications in the region for tourist safety.
He said the app can be operated in seven languages.
The mobile app will register all three-wheelers and a barcode will be displayed on the vehicle for foreign tourists to scan, the minister said.
Once a tourist reports an incident by scanning the barcode, police and tourism officials would take action, he said.
Dancers perform during a cultural dance show to promote tourism in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Jan. 17, 2023. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)
The ministry will operate a 24-hour active call center to support the app, he said.
The police can also monitor the app and take appropriate action in the event of any incidents that inconvenience or endanger tourists.
Tourism, one of Sri Lanka's leading foreign exchange earners, has suffered a setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic and political crises in the country.
Sri Lanka aims to attract around 1.5 million tourists in 2023 and 3 million tourists in 2024.■
