Archives

Deraniyagala, Kithulgala on the tourist map soon

by Uditha Kumarasinghe

Kithulgala and Deraniyagala, two areas of scenic beauty will be developed as tourism zones.

This will attract local and foreign tourists and provide benefits of the tourism industry to these areas, Samurdhi Minister R. A. D. Sirisena told the Daily News.

He said the Tourism Ministry of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council has worked with several Ministries and Government institutions to make this a success.

A seminar was held in this regard at the Kithulgala Rest House recently with the participation of representatives of the Provincial Tourism Ministry and other Government institutions.

Several places of scenic beauty in these areas such as Thalduwa, Maniyangama vihara, Yakahatuwawa, Balumgala, Rajasinghe castle, Barandikovila, Rajasinghe tomb, Iddamallena vihara, Dehigampala devalaya, Halgahawatta island and the Rukshal suspension bridge. This new promotion will give a new dimension to the historic Seethawaka Kingdom, he said.

Meanwhile the highway under construction from the Talduwa sub city to Katunayake will also help these efforts. These places are expected to be popular among tourists keen on water sports and mountaineering.

The Minister said the central government will be asked to declare Kithulgala and Deraniyagala areas as a Tourism Zone through a gazette notification and educate the public in the area on tourism. Special attention will be given to identify new employment avenues and invite investors.

The film 'The Bridge on the River Kwai' was shot close to the Kithulgala Rest House in 1956. Kithulgala, on the Colombo-Hatton main route, comprises spectacular mountain ranges, 13 waterfalls and a forest reserve.

"Kithulgala became world famous after the film was screened. But we have not taken any advantage from that," the Minister said.

The Beligal rock which is said to have been populated by humanoids 26,000 years before the Balangoda man, is also located in Kithulgala.

The Minister said: "We can erect a bridge across Kelani Ganga similar to the bridge in the film. It would be a very good attraction for foreigners."

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager