Record number of visitors to Jaffna

Friday, 31 December 2010 01:18 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A record number of visitors from the south has arrived in Jaffna within this year, statistics show.

The total number of people who entered Jaffna via Elephant Pass is reported to be approximately 3 million this year. The number includes a majority of pilgrims, Ministers and Parliamentarians, investors, Sri Lankan expatriates living abroad, vendors, diplomatic missions, and government and private sector officials. Entry has become remarkably higher with the commencement of the December school vacation. It reportedly amounts to 200,000. Usually Jaffna receives the highest number of visitors during school vacations.

The Jaffna-based business community, fishermen and farmers see the sale of their products go up with the influx of travellers. A big demand could be seen especially for Palmyra products such as Palmyra-related handicraft, jaggery and traditional food. In the meantime, Jaffna dwellers earn a handsome income by renting out houses to outsiders for accommodation. They earn from around Rs.3000 to Rs.5000 or more per night through accommodating pilgrims.

The government with the coordination of Security Forces – Jaffna and Civil administrative authorities has launched many projects to develop the places of tourist interest. The commencement of the reconstruction of the historical Jaffna Fort, the completion of 2½ km long Mullai-Karainagar causeway, improving the Karainagar-Kayts ferry service and the development of the road to picturesque beach of Casurina in Karainagar are among such development activities undertaken by the government.