Boost for culture, arts from tourism

The culture and arts sector in the country which suffered a setback during three decades of terrorism made a giant leap forward following the vast development in the tourism sector with the return of peace.

The Cultural Triangle Project which experienced a lean period as regards income, made a great comeback by earning Rs 884.5 million through the sale of tickets to tourists in 2011, said the Economic Development Ministry in a press release yesterday. It said the number of tourists visiting the Cultural Triangle Project was 112,190 and 109,404 in 2008 and 2009.

The number increased to 199,895 in 2011.

This was made possible by the 2011-2016 tourism development plan unveiled by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa.

As a result of this plan, tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka reached a record 855,975 in 2011.