Mirissa to become Blue Flag Coastal Zone, Marine Wildlife Sanctuary

Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena 

• Cabinet nod to implement recommendations proposed by ministerial sub-committee through relevant Ministries, institutions
• Zoning to boost tourism economy in Southern Province by five folds 

Recognising the economic and ecological importance, the Government aims to transform Mirissa into a Blue Flag Coastal Zone and a Marine Wildlife Sanctuary aligning with international standards.

On 22 May 2023, the Cabinet of Ministers discussed a proposal to designate the Mirissa Marine Zone as a wildlife sanctuary, aiming to protect its rich biodiversity. Subsequently, a ministerial sub-committee, led by the Prime Minister, was formed to study the proposal’s implications and benefits.

Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena said the sub-committee has proposed recommendations focused on boosting the tourism economy of the Southern Province by five folds through the designation of the Mirissa maritime zone as a Blue Flag Coastal Zone and a Marine Wildlife Sanctuary.

When asked if the move would have any adverse impacts by zoning it a Marine Wildlife Sanctuary, Gunawardena said, these were mere recommendations by the ministerial sub-committee and further details would be provided later. 

The proposal presented by the Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to implement those recommendations through relevant Ministries and institutions was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.