Sigiriya/Dambulla & Trincomalee to be developed as tourism zones with ADB assistance

January 5, 2024 at 4:58 PM

Sigiriya/Dambulla and Trincomalee are to be developed as tourism zones through an investment of Rs. one billion, Minister of  Urban Development and Housing Prasanna Ranatunga said.

According to Daily News, the development project will be carried out by the Urban Development Authority (UDA) with the investment being provided by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Minister Ranatunga said the project stalled due to the Coronavirus pandemic and the economic crisis will be recommenced this year with an initial investment of Rs. 320 million. 

He further said that under this project locations identified in Sigiriya/Dambulla and Trincomalee cities would be converted into tourism zones and infrastructure would be provided to them.

Accordingly, the Trincomalee project consists of 6 sub-projects and includes the development of the Dutch Bay and Back Bay Beach Development, Fort Frederick, Preservation and improvement, public facilities of hot springs development, construction of floating restaurants and creating eco-parks.

The project also includes the improvement of Powder Island and Crow Island areas, and the modernisation of Colonial Buildings, including the Trincomalee Port Head Office Premises. (NewsWire)