Construction of biggest tourism project to start next year: PM

Thursday, 21 December 2017 00:15 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Ministers Sagala Ratnayaka and Gayantha Karunatilaka visit the house of world renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa where the Dedduwa Tourism Zone project is based at - Pic by Pradeep Pathirana

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said construction work on the Dedduwa Tourism Zone, Sri Lanka’s biggest tourism construction project so far, will begin in March next year during a tour of the area.

The Premier stated that the Dedduwa project will focus heavily on the conservation of the natural ecosystem, adding that new laws will be formulated to protect the environment in the area during construction.

The Prime Minister visited the site along with ministers Sagala Ratnayaka and Gayantha Karunathilaka and held discussions with politicians and state officials in the area. During the visit, the Divisional Secretary of Benthara handed over the final report on the land acquisition for the project to the Prime Minister.

While accepting the report, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe commended state officials for carrying out a speedy land acquisition program.

“We have a plan to convert this 1,800-acre area into the best tourism destination in South Asia,” the Prime Minister said, before concluding the visit.

“Lunuganga, an area that will be a key part of the Dedduwa project, is well-known because of the legendary architect Geoffrey Bawa. The project will be very much in line with Bawa’s concepts and will further enhance the natural beauty of the area,” he added.

“The Government will carry out this significant tourism development project in collaboration with the private sector,” he said.

“The true value of this project will depend on the way it contributes to the natural ecosystem in the area,” the Prime Minister said, adding that he had instructed the Law and Order and Southern Development Ministry to strengthen the legal framework to protect the environment in the area.

The Galle District, the Prime Minister said, was located between two international airports – Katunayake and Mattala.

“Although many concentrate on the coastal area of Galle in terms of tourism, its interior areas are blessed with natural beauty and have immense potential. That is why we have already made plans to start tourism projects in Akurala and Koggala. With all these projects, Galle, I am certain, will become a major tourism hub in the region.”

“We have also developed a program to promote tourism in and around the Sinharaja Forest. Several areas including Deniyaya, Rakwana, Hinidums and Agalawatte will develop as a result of that program.”

“Alongside the tourism industry, we will develop Buddhist temples and historic sites in the area, promote entrepreneurship and give credit facilities to the people. We will also set up a tourism school in the Southern Province.”

“This comprehensive program will even reach the Badulla District. Tourism development and employment creation will be expanded to the Southern and Uva provinces,” the Prime Minister stated.