- SLTDA Chairman reveals progress in discussions with local authorities
- Joint effort planned between SLTDA, local authorities, and Govt. agencies
- Modalities for development implementation still under consideration
- All-inclusive project aims to enhance infrastructure in the area
- President allocates Rs. 750 m for fast-tracking tourism corridor development
Thirty-eight sites have been identified for development within the Pinnawala-Kitulgala tourism corridor as part of the Government’s plan to fast-track the development of the area into a tourism zone, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) reveals.
Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, SLTDA Chairman Priantha Fernando stated that the SLTDA had already held 2-3 rounds of discussions with the relevant Local Government (LG) authorities for the establishment of the Pinnawala-Kitulgala tourism corridor as a tourism zone and that the LG authorities had already identified around 38 sites to be developed in the area.
“The local authorities have identified the places to be developed because, under the previous budget, certain fund allocations were made for their development. It is being discussed. We will also get involved, determine the priorities, and take it forward. There is a lot of potential in that area from a tourism perspective, but we will have to improve the site conditions,” he added.
Fernando also said that the development of the tourism corridor would be a joint effort between the SLTDA, local authorities, Government agencies, and the relevant district development committees.
However, he said that they were yet to determine the modalities for carrying out the development of the corridor: “The modalities will have to be worked out – who will be monitoring, who will be undertaking the development, and so on.”
According to Fernando, the development of the corridor will be an all-inclusive project aimed at improving the infrastructure in the area and promoting it.
During the 2024 Budget speech, President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Minister of Finance unveiled plans to fast-track the development of the corridor as a tourism zone.
“The Kitulgala white water rafting area, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, and other tourist attractions around it are being developed as a tourist zone. The Rambukkana entrance of the Central Expressway is being used for that purpose. The proposed Galigamuwa New Town is being promoted as the hub of this tourism region. Rs. 750 million is allocated to implement this project as a joint programme within a period of three years,” he stated.
