Yapahuwa to become tourist hub

Irangika Range

COLOMBO: The Tourism Ministry in conjunction with the Sri Lanka Tourist Board (SLTB) will promote Yapahuwa as a new tourist destination to mark the World Tourism Day which falls tomorrow. Under this project, the Ministry expects to develop Yapahuwa as a tourist hub by implementing short term and long term strategies with the private sector.

Infrastructure development would be improved along with the inception of a few three-star hotels at the outset. The Wayamba Development Authority and Sri Lankan Airlines have also come together to promote the event.

Director Human Resources Development (SLTB) U.P.S. Pathirana told the Daily News that their main objective this year is to create awareness of the lesser known tourist attractions and develop Yapahuwa as a tourist hub providing an opportunity for domestic and international tourists to visit and learn about the 13th century capital of Sri Lanka.

This year's theme is "Tourism Enriches" and it is the first time that a series of events are being organised in a rural area to celebrate world Tourism Day.

He said under the main celebrations at the archaeological site of Yapahuwa, international tourism signs in and around Yapahuwa will be placed.

A cleaning campaign at the Maho town and Railway Stations close to archaeological sites of Yapahuwa will be held with the participation of students, tourists, vendors and tourism stakeholders in the area.

A tree planting programme in the archaeological sites of Yapahuwa and a cycling tour covering the tourist attractions will be conducted with the participation of youth and tourists.

An art competition and essay competition on theme of tourism have been organised among schoolchildren in the Wayamba province.

An exhibition, travel brochure, hoardings and a procession to display historic and environmental values of the area will be conducted to create a better awareness among tourists.