Forest reserve converted to a ‘Tourist Zone’

M. A. R. Manukulasooriya Hiriyala group corr

The Forest Conservation Department has converted the Badagamuwa Forest Reserve into a ‘Tourist Zone’ to attract both local and foreign tourists to admire the beauty of the forest.

This forest reserve is located on the Kurunegala-Dambulla main road. According to District Forest Officer, Kurunegala D. H. S. Kumarasiri this has become a very popular place among tourists.

This 500 acre forest is well-known for its bio-diversity. This has become the home to hundreds of indigenous flora and fauna. Nearly 90 per cent of the trees found in the forest is endemic.

This forest has been declared a forest reserve by the Government Gazette No. 5270 dated 1st June 1994, it has been existing as a natural forest since the 17th century.

The Forest Conservation Department has deployed 14 youths after training as tourist guides.

Essential infrastructure facilities have been provided by the Department. Loiterers are not allowed to enter this reserve, the officer said.