MP Ahmed Nazim has stated that the proposed amendment to the Tourism Act is not intended to strip local councils of their jurisdictional powers.

Nazim made the remarks in response to concerns raised by opposition members, who claim that the amendment seeks to centralize authority by removing councils' power to allocate land for tourism development. He clarified that the amendment does not aim to transfer such powers to the President.

According to Nazim, the primary objective of the amendment is to streamline the development of resorts in areas under council jurisdiction. He noted that while councils have allocated land for resort construction, the existing Councils Act does not outline a clear legal framework for such projects. He emphasized that resort development must be governed by the Tourism Act.

Nazim further explained that the amendment would address issues related to leased lands and provide a boost to the tourism sector.