A tourism project first proposed under the 2010/2015 Mahinda Rajapaksa government in 2010 – and opposed at the time by the then opposition citing different concerns — has now been approved by the NPP government, offering to grant a 30-year lease of Baththalangunduwa and Uchchamunai islands off Kalpitiya for tourism development.
The project was the brainstorm of the Rajapaksa government but could not proceed amidst heavy opposition protests which eventually led to it being abandoned. The reason for the then opposition was that they did not want vital state lands being sold off to foreign investors.
However, realizing its value years later, the NPP government has given the nod for the project with the SLTDA, along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, already announcing the availability of a portfolio of prime land parcels amounting to 3000 acres for sustainable tourism investments.
As a part of Sri Lanka’s vision to become a leading tourism destination in Asia, the SLTDA is offering these lands across various high potential key geographic and thematic tourism areas for private sector development, it says.
It has called for expression of interest for Baththalangunduwa Island which is around 291 acres. Investors are sought for the development of it for adventure Tourism, water sports, sea bathing at recommended spots, beach play, picnicking, camping or any other compatible activity in collaboration with the community.
Besides, 1,095 acres of Uchchamunai Island have been earmarked for an integrated resort with seaplane harbour, yacht harbour and Marina.
The other activities to be allowed in Uchchamunai are special interest diving resort with diving school, eco, nature, adventure tourism, water sports, sea bathing at recommended spots, beach play, picnicking, camping, sports and entertainment facilities including health club and spa, golf course, driving range and horse riding school. For both islands, 25 rooms per hectare have been recommended.
Under the same programme, lands have been identified to be leased out in areas such as Trincomalee, Dedduwa, Bentota and Kuchchaveli.
Sri Lanka targets three million tourist arrivals this year with earnings amounting to $ 5 billion. The government has announced a waiver of visa fees for 40 more countries in a bid to increase arrivals during the upcoming winter season.
By Kelum Bandara (Daily Mirror)
