Integrated development plan for Adam's Peak

Mohammed Naalir

Plans are afoot to develop the Adam's Peak sacred area together with several other temples in the Nallathanni area on par with other sacred places under the Adam's Peak Development Project according to Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

He said that Adam's Peak was the only religious place honoured equally by Buddhists, Muslims and Hindus in Sri Lanka.

The Urban Development Authority (UDA) will implement the project along with the National Physical Planning Department.

Minister Gunawardane expressed confidence that on the completion of the proposed projects a solution would be found to the difficulties faced by the devotees during the pilgrim season.

The existing structures and the business stalls are to be replaced by more permanent structures. There are more than 400 unauthorised structures in this area including unauthorised business stalls.

Environment Organisations have cautioned that the existing structures may cause heavy damage to the environment, Minister Gunawardane added.

The proposed development drive will be environment friendly and will cause no damages to tranquil set up. It is also planned to minimise the risk of natural disasters in the area and also eliminate traffic jams witnessed during the pilgrim season through this new development programme.

Accordingly, a bus halt, trade stalls, a pilgrims rest hall will be constructed. Drinking water and sanitation facilities too will be provided for the benefit of pilgrims. The flight of steps leading to Adam's Peak and the temples in these area will also be developed under the Adam's Peak Development Project.