Tourist guides still using 1970 package -Minister

A programme is launched to enhance the facilities for the local and foreign tourists at provincial level.

Minister of Tourism Milinda Moragoda has decentralized the activities of the Ministry and as a further step to this, Minister declared open a Tourist Aid Station called "Diyapahasa" for the tourists which was built with the funds from the Ministry in collaboration with the Upcountry Development Authority and Imbulpe Pradeshiya Sabha. With this project the tourists who travel from Colombo to Balangoda will be able to relax near the beautiful and scenic Belihuloya stretch.

The total expenditure for the project is rupees four million and it will be managed by the Imbulpe Pradeshiya Sabha.

The Chairman, Imbulpe Pradeshiya Sabha D.R. Indu Gunathilaka said that there are several beautiful waterfalls in and around the Balangoda area which have been frequently visited during the King Walagambahu era and the ordinary people have so far failed to pay attention. He said the people of the area and country as a whole will be excellently benefited if the Ministry of Tourism could implement a programme covering this region.

Minister Milinda Moragoda in his reply said the Tourist advisers and guides are still using a package which has been in existence in the 1970's. The Ministry is preparing a project to declare a cultural triangle in the Southern area.

The Ministry could immediately bring out a new package connecting Colombo with scenic places and waterfalls in Udawalawe, Embilipitiya and Balangoda areas.