Eastern Province, a goldmine for tourism -Minister Basil

A new star class hotel named Eastern Lagoon located in Sinna Uppodai, Batticaloa was declared open by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa on June 22.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa cuts the ribbon to open the star class Eastern Lagoon hotel in Batticaloa.

The new 45- room hotel with facilities on par with international standards has been built in the middle of an islet in the Batticaloa lagoon and enjoys a picturesque backdrop to it.

Minister Rajapaksa said the Eastern Province is a goldmine for tourism and ideally located for tourists. "Subsequent to the end of the war, tourism has begun to blossom in the Eastern Province with foreign and local tourists travelling to resorts without any restrictions or difficulties, " the Minister said.

From Batticaloa, there are several hotels in the coastal areas of the Eastern Province and the new hotel is considered special among them, given its multiple facilities including banquet hall, swimming pool, and conference hall with modern facilities. The hotel was built at a cost of Rs 350 million.

Eastern Province Chief Minister Najeeb Abdul Majeed, the Adviser to the President on Eastern Affairs and Provincial Council member Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, Minister Habis Nazeer Ahamed, SLFP organiser for Batticaloa Arun Thambimuthu, Batticlaoa District Secretary P.S.M.Charles and other VIPs were present at the opening ceremony.