Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Orders Closure Of Surf Bar Mirissa: Area OIC Transferred: 06 Suspects Arrested

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has ordered the closure of Surf Bar Mirissa until the end of the full investigation into the incident where a group of Dutch tourists came under attack in the area, last week. 

While the Police are investigating into the criminal aspect of the assault, the SLTDA said it had launched its own investigation into the incident. 

The initial investigations revealed that the business establishment has not obtained license from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) to run a tourism related business. 

"Six individuals have been arrested to date and currently in remand custody.Investigations progressing and more arrests to be made. OIC of the area transferred. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has requested Excise Commissioner to investigate how liquor was sold without a licence," Tourism and Christian Affairs Minister John Amaratunga said, addressing a press conference earlier today.

At least 04 eye witnesses have provided statements to the Tourist Police detailing last Saturday nights brutal sexual and physical assault on tourists at the hands of Beach Boys employed at the establishment.

One eye witness commenting on a social media post regarding the incident said " It was like a boxing match. They acted like animals hitting women". Thereafter he identifies the place at which the incident occurred as " Surf Bar Mirissa" after saying " Mirissa is not safe" in capitals.