Sri Lanka which has a rich heritage has begun its journey towards an eco-friendly tourist paradise, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said

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Sri Lanka which has a rich heritage has begun its journey towards an eco-friendly tourist paradise, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said.
Attracting rich tourists where Sri Lanka could benefit is a key feature in this massive venture, he further added.
Minister Basil Rajapaksa was visiting the Ulagalla Resort which was built at a cost of Rs 700 million.
"It is our mission is to preserve Sri Lanka's culture and heritage, its lofty traditions, culture and flora and fauna while showing them to the outside world through places like this," he added.
As per his directions from the President he was doing his utmost to promote tourism while protecting the country's dignity and traditions.
The Government is helping to develop projects like these to help the common villager giving them an opportunity to earn a living while safeguarding our cultural values.
Finance Ministry Secretary Dr P B Jayasundera said they had given a facelift to the traditional "Walawwa" and made it an eco-friendly tourist destination, the private sector has invested in this massive project. They have invested such a large amount for this project especially to protect the rural beauty and to save our natural environment.
"Eco-friendly tourism has a good demand throughout the world. Our aim is to attract rich tourists and earn foreign currency.
Villages are being benefited. New employment is being generated while recreational facilities are helping the economy.
We have opened the market for tourism while protecting the country's bio-diversity. The resort utilized local materials and local engineering skills. Organic fertilizer, locally made pesticides, weedicides are used.
Proprietor, ICC Vice Chairman Harsha de Saram said this is the first resort built after the war and the biggest resort with a solar farm. We produce 50 percent of electricity using solar power.
NCP Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake, Sarath Ilangasinghe, Lawyer Pushpa Rajapaksa also joined in the tour.
Courtesy: Daily News