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Master Plan to develop ecotourism in Trinco

by Tharika Goonathilake

The Urban Development Authority (UDA) in collaboration with the Tourism Ministry and local authorities has drawn up a Master Plan to develop ecotourism in the Trincomalee district.

The plan proposes to develop the potential of selected areas of the district - on the North-East coast of Sri Lanka into eco-friendly areas, resorts and natural reserves suitable for domestic and international ecotourism promotion.

"Measures have been taken to acquire land to ensure a systematic development plan that would be in keeping with strategic planing essential for developing eco-tourism activities,"Tourism Minister Gamini Lokuge told the `Daily News' yesterday.

He said that the plan will be implemented in stages in order to do away with adhoc development processes that could be detrimental to the whole concept as in the case of Hikkaduwa.

"Given the growing environmental concerns of travellers worldwide, ecotourism will have high growth prospects over the next 15 years. Sri Lanka, especially areas such as Trincomalee can be major attractions for developing this concept if we do it systematically," he said.

Meanwhile, a senior official of the UDA said that the Master Plan, part of a larger initiative aimed at jumpstarting the local economy and tapping Trincomalee's diverse ecotourism attraction is seeking potential investments.

"The initial plans to create greater awareness about the possibilities for investment in the Trincomalee area were unfolded during an investment forum meeting in Trincomalee in September this year. The meeting was chaired by BOI Chairman Arujunna Mahendran. Potential investors now have the opportunity to develop areas earmarked by the Master Plan for eco-tourism," the official said.

He said that Trincomalee's potential has remained dormant due to the past conflict although the area was a much sought after destination for sun, sea and sand seekers many years ago.

"Trincomalee's greatest attraction for the average tourist was the sea but given the right kind of development Trincomalee stands poised for greater things. The ecotourism Master Plan has been developed on this line opening up new areas for the promotion of tourism," he said. According to the official, Trincomalee's accessibility from Colombo by rail, road or air is another positive feature for developing ecotourism.

"The Government is channelling considerable funds through foreign aid to redevelop infrastructure in these areas. This is a further boost that will give an impetus to bolster ecotourism," he said.

Areas in the hinterland especially around tanks have been earmarked for ecotourism promotion under the Master Plan taking into consideration the abundance of wildlife in the area.

Trekking, bird or wildlife watching camping, hiking and sightseeing are other areas highlighted for developing nature based tourism with Padavi-Siripura, Gomarankadawala, Morawewa, Kantalai and Seruwila areas earmarked for these activities, he said.

There is also potential for developing a campsite or villas for observing unique wildlife. These include the largest Asian elephants (also known as the marsh elephant). Tree-top night observation decks and jeep safaris are other attractions on the cards, the official said.

Whale watching is another past time which is possible in the district as the area is famous for its whale pods.

The Trincomalee district is Sri Lanka's only hot spring. The springs, which are of varying temperatures are well- known for their therapeutic value.

The development of a `rest and recuperation' centre, where occupants are taken for baths at the hotel wells, is another possible project highlighted in the plan.

Sri Lanka has been a haven for Yachtsmen. Trincomalee's Inner Harbour with its large, calm bays, close to the town would be an attraction for yachtsmen if a marina with all facilities are provided.

Facilities such as a club house and a duty free shop for tourists and yatchs mooring at the harbour are also projects suggested for construction on reclaimed land.

Recreational fishing is another lucrative sport, which has been highlighted for the Trincomalee harbour.

According to an official of the BOI, the Board has also identified key investment areas for the development of potential ecotourism sites with collaborating agencies including the Sri Lanka Tourist Board, the Central Environment Authority, the Sri Lanka Navy, the Coast Conservation Department and the Urban Development Authority among others.

He said that BOI facilitation is available at all stages of the investment process and incentives will be granted if the project confirms to specific criteria.

The Sigiriya mystery continues

"Sigiriya and Its Significance" a thought provoking book by former Archaeological Commissioner Dr. Raja de Silva was launched at Hotel Sigiriya, in Sigiriya on the Saturday 26th of October 2002.

Two years after this much spoken event "Mysteries of Sigiriya" which took place under the shadow of the rock, Hotel Sigiriya is proud once again to be in the forefront of supporting an event such as this, and as expected Dr. Raja de Silva's book and presentation created considerable discussion on the much debated subject about the origins of Sigiriya. It was organised at an opportune time, when the Ceylon Tourist Board is endeavouring to make The Sigiriya Rock, the icon for Sri Lanka's tourism.

His book and presentation conveyed a startling view on Sigiriya and that Sigiriya was a Mahayana Monetary built over several Hundreds of years. In a very lively and scientific presentation his view was that contrary to the accepted view that Kassayapa built Sigiriya, it was a short lived capital and its paintings were also done by Kassayapa during the eighteen year reign.

Dr. Raja de Silva explained: the history of Kassayapa revolves around one source so far, - the Mahavamsa which comes in a few Solokas. But, the compilers of the Mahavamsa were members of the Buddhist sect - Mahavihara, and Kassayapa was a follower of an opposite sect - Abeyagiri. And from chapter 38 onwards, wherein Kassayapa is referred to, were written at least 700-800 years after the demise of Kassayapa.

Therefore, is it likely that the compiler of the thirteenth century, who wrote about events of the fifth or sixth century, could be relied upon as an authentic, independent and non-prejudicial witness and is it acceptable to examine Kassayapa in the hands of these Mahavamsa authors? was the question he asked.

Mr. Abbas Esufally, Chairman, Serendib Leisure Management who was among the panel went on to say "Sigiriya plays an important role in the flow of tourism in Sri Lanka, and Hotel Sigiriya in particular; will continue contributing towards the conservation of the heritage site - arguably the first tourist destination is Asia".

The first Copy of the book "Sigiriya and its Significance" was handed over to Mr. E. J. de Soysa, Chairman, Sigiriya Hotel by the Author.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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