Major plans for Mannar

The Ministry of Tourism Development has identified the Mannar District for major tourism infrastructure development projects. 

Already over Rs. 40 million has been spent on making the beach areas tourist friendly and many other projects are being planned in order to make the district the main hub for tourism in the region. 

During a discussion between the Minister of Tourism Development John Amaratunga and Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mannar District MP Rishad Bathiudeen, at the Tourism Ministry yesterday, it was decided to position Mannar as the main hub for visiting key attractions in the region. 

The identified main attractions include the famed Madhu Church Shrine, Wilpattu National Park and a host of other sites which have been identified as having considerable tourism potential. 

These include the Thanthirimale historic temple, ancient Thiruketheeswaram Kovil where it is believed rituals have been performed uninterrupted for the past 2,000 years, the Dutch period lighthouse, historic pier and fishing harbour, the Portuguese/Dutch Fort and Adams Bridge which is a constellation of small islands stretched out over a 50 km sand strip connecting mainland India that spawned the famous legends of Hanuman, Rama and Ravana.

Among the other attractions in the district are the famous 700-year-old Baobab Tree which is also called the Elephant Tree for the sheer size of its girth, Doric House at Arippu which at the time it was built was the official residence of British Governor Frederick North in the 1800s and was described as the ‘most beautiful house in Ceylon’ and Yoda Wewa or Giants Tank built by King Dathusena in the 5th Century which interestingly is the main point for the seasonal Siberian bird migration.

Minister Amaratunga said that plans have already been drawn up by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority to develop homestay villages around the tank in order to offer an authentic experience to tourists visiting the district. 

Meanwhile, a beachfront area of around 300 acres will be identified as a resort area for accommodation purposes. This area will be developed on a fast-track basis with all facilities for tourists while priority will be given for ecotourism projects. 

Meanwhile, based on a request by Minister Bathiudeen, it was decided to set up a hotel school for the youth of the district to learn basic hospitality skills. Minister Amaratunga instructed officials of the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management to set up a satellite school in the Mannar town area offering basic training for entry level positions to the hotel trade.

Sigiriya Handicrafts Village to become night-time performing arts centre

Sigiriya Shilpa Handicrafts Village is to get a much-needed boost through a proposed public-private partnership that will transform the village into a lively performing arts centre.

A meeting in this regard was held between the Minister of Tourism Development John Amaratunga and the Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen at the Tourism Ministry yesterday.

Under the proposed plan, the Sigiriya Crafts Village will be converted into a performing arts centre during the night time with a $ 2.5 million investment by a private sector entity to create the necessary infrastructure and facilities for hosting daily cultural performances.

“This is a long felt need as the thousands of tourists who flock to this region have nothing to do after 5.00 p.m. The proposed night time entertainment will portray our history and culture in an imaginative way using the latest technology and production techniques,” said Minister Amaratunga while emphasising that the focus will be on sustainability and value addition. A high-tech lighting system and a special mobile stage that will be imported from China will add a modern touch to the performance centre. 

“This initiative will add value to the existing facility and open up a new platform for the craftsmen to exhibit and market their products, ensuring added income to the village economy. It will create the ideal platform for the craftsmen to merchandise their wares while also providing tourists wholesome entertainment,” added Minister Amaratunga.

The handicrafts village was established in 2003 and comes under the purview of the National Crafts Council which is under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. The village currently has nearly 50 stalls depicting various fields of handicraft. The concept has enabled craftsmen to directly connect with customers without the interference of intermediaries. The items on offer include batiks, wood carvings, brass work, jewellery, handlooms, etc.

Minister Bathiudeen, while welcoming the proposal, said that it would benefit both tourism development and the local economy. “It is a move that will directly benefit all stakeholders. We will expedite the implementation and get it off the ground as soon as possible.”

A subcommittee consisting of officials from the two ministries was appointed for the purpose.