Sigiriya to be developed from USD 15mn loan - By Sunil Thenabadu

Sigiriya to be developed from USD 15mn loan – By Sunil Thenabadu

The Ministry of Urban Development and Housing said that steps will be taken to develop Sigiriya as a fully-fledged tourist zone under nine sub-projects.

These nine sub-projects are; establishment of new car park, providing sanitary facilities and preparation of Sigiriya entrance road, establishment of Sigiriya information center, conservation of Mapagala archaeological site, rehabilitation of Sigiri lake, establishment of heritage route from Ramakele to Pidurangala, conservation of archaeological sites around Kaludiya Pokuna, development of infrastructure for tourism and recreational activities focusing on Inamaluwa Lake, development of infrastructure for tourism and recreational activities focusing on Galewela Lake, and the development of the solid waste management system in Digampathana.Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said that this project will be implemented at the cost of USD 15 million to be received under the loan assistance of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

In the implementation of this project, the areas identified in and around Sigiriya will be developed into an eco-friendly tourist zone without the use of plastic. Initial plans are being implemented by all the relevant institutions.In developing Sigiriya as a tourist destination, the minister has instructed to improve the livelihood of the local people and to encourage private investment necessary for development.

He has also instructed the ministry officials to inform the Matale District Coordinating Committee and the Dambulla Regional Coordinating Committee about the project.