Tourist villages in all Provincial Councils

The Government has planned to set up tourist villages in every Provincial Council under the tourism promotional plan.

Speaking about the future plans of the industry Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Dr Nalaka Godahewa said under this program each Provincial Council should identify and develop areas of tourist interests and showcase it to the world.

Godahewa said tourism cannot be separated from the people of that area and as such it should go hand in hand together with their culture, social life and the economy.

Several discussions have been already made with relevant Provincial Council authorities about this program.

The year 2011 has been titled as Visit Sri Lanka which will be the year of inviting the world to visit the country.

Every month of the year will be dedicated to one specific area such as month of the wildlife, mountains, culture, and beaches promoting all aspects of those areas.

All related Government, Non Government and private sector organizations are expected to participate in these activities throughout the year.

Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene said there are many interesting but unidentified locations in Sri Lanka which has tourist interests and they will be identified during this year taking the industry to a higher standard.

Sri Lanka Hoteliers Association Chairman Anura Lokuhetti said "If the country could attract 2.5 million tourists by 2016 as expected it can earn USD 3 billion foreign exchange which will be a huge economic development where 350,000 employment opportunities will be created," he said. RK