Cable car project mooted for National Namal Uyana in Dambulla

Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga meeting with Ven. Rahula Thero who is the guardian of the National Namal Uyana 

• Tourism Minister proposes discussions with relevant departments to determine feasibility 

The Government is considering a proposal to set up a cable car project at the National Namal Uyana located in the Dambulla District, which is a popular tourist attraction well known for its rose quartz mountain range. 

This cable car project was proposed by Ven. Rahula Thero to Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga yesterday at the Ministry.

Ven. Rahula Thero who is the guardian of the national park pointed out to the Minister that the launch of a cable car project would enhance the tourist attraction.

“The proposal is expected to be discussed with the Central Cultural Fund, the Forest Department, the Archaeological Department and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA),” Tourism Minister said.

Ranatunga stressed that it should be designed in a manner that does not harm the ecosystem around the rose quartz mountain range at National Namal Uyana.

He pointed out that discussions will be held with all parties concerned in this regard and necessary action will be taken to consider the proposal.

The Minister pointed out that one of the objectives of the Government is to uplift the eco-tourism industry and accordingly, it is hoped to develop places such as the rose quartz mountain range at National Namal Uyana in future to attract more local and foreign tourists.

Ven. Rahula Thero said that this is the only place in Sri Lanka with the largest number of Na trees, which covers an area of 760 acres.

National Namal Uyana, which is under the purview of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, was declared a National Heritage Site in 2005.

According to Ven. Rahula Thero, research has confirmed that there are 18 endemic and non-endemic bird species in the country, including 72 species of branches and 75 species of insects.

National Namal Uyana has a prehistoric rose quartz deposit that is over 250 million years old and spread over an area of 250 acres.

The rose quartz is said to have been used to decorate the windows of the Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal emperor of India to commemorate his beloved wife. Researchers also say that rose quartz is used inside computers and to build vehicle components like windscreens.