President stresses urban development as key to boost tourism

• Says systematic urban planning can transform Sri Lanka into attractive tourist destination

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday highlighted the country’s potential to become a premier tourist destination through well-planned urban development that goes beyond conventional construction.

Speaking to officials of the National Physical Planning Department at the Presidential Secretariat, he urged the integration of the Sri Lankan identity into city planning initiatives. 

The meeting also focused on the Government’s strategy to balance urban and rural development, with an emphasis on strengthening the rural economy while preserving cultural heritage and traditional livelihoods.

The President emphasised the significance of preserving the identity of rural culture and the livelihoods of the rural populace throughout this development process.

Labour Minister and Economic Development Deputy Minister Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Secretary to the President Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Finance Ministry Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Russel Aponsu, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Ministry Secretary Ranjith Ariyaratne, National Physical Planning Department Director General W.R. Ruchira Vithana, and a group of officials from the National Physical Planning Department attended this discussion.