Economic

• Says Bentota to Hungama will be made tourist zone and special economic area
• Galle town, Balapitiya and Koggala will be developed for high-rise buildings
• Asserts Govt. intends to get low and high-rise projects off by end of 2023 and go ahead in next 2 years
• Lists out events to be held in early 2024 as part of promoting Sri Lanka

President Ranil Wickremesinghe spelt out the short-term plans of the Government to develop tourism down south. “We want to take the whole stretch from Bentota to Hungama and the interior about seven to eight miles and make it one tourist zone and a special economic area. We can develop tourism both for low rise closer to the beach and high rise buildings at the back,” he said during an inspection visit down south to inspect tourist hotels and challenges faced by the tourism industry stakeholders last Friday.

Noting that the short-term plans to develop the tourism industry down south have already been discussed with MP Vajira Abeywardena, Ministers Kanchana Wijesekera, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana and Manusha Nanayakkara, he said Galle town, Balapitiya and Koggala will be developed for high rise buildings.

“There will have different committees and we want your help. The Government intends to get it off by the end of the year and go ahead in the next two years,” he added.

As part of promoting Sri Lanka, he said the Government has decided to have Andree Bushell singing in Colombo next year and then to hold what is called the ‘Galle Consorto’, Galle Literacy Festival, Modern Art and Jazz in Matara, fashion week and music in Unawatuna, beach disco in Hiriketiya and a baila carnival in Hikkaduwa in the early part of 2024.

“We can stretch it all out for over two weeks. The Government is keen on your ideas and support to take it further,” he told the tourists and industry stakeholders.

President Wickremesinghe also said he will have the first group meeting with regard to the matter today (3).

FT