Sri Lanka Institute of Tourist Guide Lecturers (SLINTGL) held a press conference on 13th March 2020 and requested the authorities to take prompt measures to control the spread of COVID-19 in Sri Lanka. SLINTGL representatives made a strong case for a temporary stoppage of tourism in the national interest, despite the fact that such a step will adversely affect the livelihood of its membership. The Institute is happy to note that the Government has since made some decisions to that effect.