The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau has refuted media reports claiming it had granted approval for a music festival to be held on the outskirts of Habarana.
Issuing a statement, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau said it categorically denies having provided any form of approval for the event, identified as the ‘Deep jungle festival’.
“It is implied in the above media release, that the SLTPB has provided approval for the staging of the deep jungle festival on the outskirts of Habarana. We Sri Lanka Tourism and the Ministry of Tourism categorically deny having provided any form of approval for the event,” the statement said.
The Tourism Promotion Bureau further stated that, however, based on clearances obtained from other line agencies to stage this event and on submission Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau had provided endorsement from a Tourism perspective which too will be withdrawn unless necessary environmental clearance is obtained.
“To the contrary, when all endeavours are to develop and promote tourism on a suitable platform together with the Ministry of Tourism. Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau strongly recommends the cancelling of the planned event if the organizers have not obtained the necessary environmental, Wild Life, Forest and other related agency clearances/approval,” the SLTPB statement added.
The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau also pointed out that it was important to develop a mechanism for all related organizations to work in consultation with an understanding and a good working arrangement, to avoid similar occurrences in the future.
The clarification comes after concerns were raised over the “Deep Jungle Music and Cultural Festival” which has been organized close to the Galoya Forest reserve from 17- 19th February 2023.
It was reported that an entity called Deep Jungle Entertainment (PVT) Ltd has organized the “deep Jungle Music and Cultural Festival” under the patronage of some of the Government authorities next to the “Galoya Forest Reserve”.
Concerns were raised as high noise levels could impact the wildlife in the area, as the Galoya Forest Reserve is a well-known elephant corridor in Habarana, which connects the Hurulu Eco Park to Kaudulla and Minneriya national parks. (NewsWire)
