Tourism action plan for Eastern Province
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.
Courtesy : Daily News
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