Tourism action plan for Eastern Province

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

A Tourism Development Action Plan for Eastern Province has been implemented by the Tourism Ministry aiming to boost the tourism sector in the province.

This Action Plan has been signed by a three member committee of the Sri Lanka Tourism Board. The Tourism Ministry will take steps to organise 24 projects which are in the Action Plan into operation.

This will be conducted by a Plan Implementation Unit which consists of several members representing various Government institutions.

The Tourism Ministry, Eastern Provincial Council and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority will jointly assist the Planning Implementation Unit when projects are being implemented.

According to the Tourism Development Action Plan, pilgrim rests and dormitory accommodation facilities will be set up in the historic Seruwila area for pilgrims.

In addition common facilities and infrastructure facilities will be upgraded to attract tourists.

The Seruwila Temple is a heritage site visited by bus loads of pilgrims all round the year from all parts of the country, particularly on Full Moon Day and during weekends and school vacations. “Accommodation facilities at the Seruwila Temple are very limited. Therefore pilgrims face numerous hardships,” a Tourism Ministry spokesman said.

Under the Action Plan private sector entrepreneurs and organisations such as banks, media houses, religious organisations and any other organisations are encouraged to develop rest houses, pilgrim-rests and dormitory type accommodation for overnight stay for pilgrim visitors. Land for construction will be provided on a lease basis as an incentive.

In addition to Seruwila, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority in association with the Provincial Tourism Ministry and temple authorities will initiate action to promote the development of low cost accommodation at other tourists sites and other religious places visited by local tourists in the Eastern Province.