Sri Lanka, June 6 -- Discriminatory treatment of locals by tourist service providers has become an increasingly widespread concern across the country with numerous complaints filed with the relevant authorities. It has become troubling for locals visiting these areas for tourism purposes because of unequal service and preferential treatment toward foreign visitors.

Cases are reported in major tourist hotspots such as Ella in the Uva Province and those in the Southern Province where hoteliers and restaurant owners discourage locals from seeking their services, during peak seasons when demand from foreign nationals are high.

Sri Lanka is experiencing an influx of tourist arrivals with major tourist sites teeming with foreign nationals at...