Plans are under way to attract more tourists - Anura Bandaranaike

Eheliyagoda special correspondent, Nimal Wijayatunga

Tourism and Investment Promotion Minister Anura Bandaranaike who opened a Tourist Rest in Namaldeniya, Eheliyagoda said the Sabaragamuwa province can be turned into tourist paradise as it is abound with very attractive scenery, charming waterfalls and blue mountains.

The Tourist Rest was constructed by the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council at a cost of Rs. 3.8 million. Minister Bandaranaike said when he assumed duties as the Minister of Tourism, he had a wide plan for the development of the tourist sector.

It was hoped to attract nearly six and a half lakhs of tourists to Sri Lanka in the last year.

But due to unexpected tsunami disaster, the number of tourists came to Sri Lanka has reduced to one and a half lakhs.

"Though the number of tourists arrive at small, but beautiful country has been decreased due to this natural disaster, steps would be taken to attract more and more tourists in the very near future," he explained.

"If tourists fail to come from Europe, it is hoped to attract a majority of tourists from India and China soon."

He said though the UNP holds the 'Jana Bala Meheuma' demanding to hold the Presidential election in the year 2005, according to the Constitution it will definitely be held in 2006.

In conclusion, Minister Bandaranaike assured that Sri Lanka's tourist industry will be flourished by the year 2008 under his administration.

Samurdhi and Poverty Alleviation Minister Pavithra Wanniarchchi said, it is hoped to provide jobs for the unemployed through the Samurdhi Movement.

Sabaragamuwa Chief Minister, Mahipala Herath said, this tourist rest building project was a part of the carefully thought development projects for Ratnapura and Kegalle districts.

He requested Minister Bandaranaike to extend his support for Sabaragamuwa province.

Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government, Janaka Bandara Tennakoon, Sabaragamuwa Governor, Reggie Ranatunga, PC Ministers, Mohan Saliya Ellawala, Y. G. Padmasiri, Lalith Dissanaike and several PS members also participated.