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Land Bank for tourism development

by Tharika Goonathilake

A 'Land Bank' to announce sites available for tourism development will be established soon.

The move, on a directive of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe envisages establishing an up-to-date Information Bank for the use of both international and local investors keen on setting up leisure related business.

"There is a need for a system of this nature, given the interest Sri Lanka now enjoys as a safe destination and the immense opportunities opening up for travel and tourism related ventures," Sri Lanka Tourism Board Chairman Paddy Withana told the 'Daily News' yesterday.

Withana said that with international hotel chains such as Aman Resorts and Accor expressing a vote of confidence in Sri Lanka, it was important to facilitate a flow of information for the use of potential investors. "Hitherto, interested parties had to visit several localities to obtain information and the subsequent data on the land area and ownership. However, this database will help shortlist available areas throughout the country," he said.

Towards this end, the Sri Lanka Tourism Board has already called for applications from landowners interested in making their land available for tourism promotional initiatives. Around 200 applications are now with the bank.

Those registering with the Board will also have the option to work with either local or foreign partners through joint partnerships or come into an outright agreement with the landowners concerned.

According to the Chairman, potential land owners can now enlist their sites by obtaining an application from the Sri Lanka Tourism Board.

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