Sri Lanka, Dec. 6 -- Tourism State Minister Diana Gamage has a penchant for swimming against the current and becoming the butt end of criticism particularly from Buddhist clergy, morality preachers and traditionalists. There was a chorus of protests at her proposal to permit the cultivation of Cannabis (Ganja) as an export crop. She also invited the wrath of some for suggesting that Colombo be made an 'All Night Zone', i.e. to permit casinos, night clubs and massage parlours etc. to operate freely as a means of attracting big-spending foreigners and bringing in Dollars.

Her latest suggestion is for bars and liquor shops to be kept open 24/7 if the country wants to boost tourism. "We have to keep these places open day and night. Liquor is...