The government is planning to develop the historic Ridi Viharaya in Kurunegala into an international Buddhist and spiritual wellness destination, with a target of attracting approximately 5,000 foreign tourists per month.
According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the proposed project aims to promote Sri Lanka’s tourism sector while preserving the temple’s historical and cultural heritage.
The plans were discussed at a meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (03), under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs Namal Sudarshana and Secretary to the President Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
The discussion focused on introducing yoga, meditation and other spiritual programmes to attract international visitors and position Ridi Viharaya as a globally recognised spiritual tourism destination.
Plans to maintain the temple and its surrounding area as a carbon-free zone were also discussed, with particular attention to environmentally sustainable transport services, restaurants and other activities.
The meeting further considered improvements to the road network connecting Ridi Viharaya with nearby tourist attractions, along with infrastructure development and other facilities.
Officials also highlighted the importance of providing awareness programmes and training opportunities for local youth to support the project and create opportunities for community participation.
The PMD said the development activities would be implemented through a coordinated plan involving the Ministry of Tourism, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Urban Development Authority, North Western Provincial Tourism Development Authority, Road Development Authority, Department of Wildlife Conservation and Department of Forest Conservation.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Incumbent of Ridi Viharaya, Ven. Tibbatuwawe Buddharakkhitha Thera, Ven. Ridigama Vanarathana Thera, MP M.K.M. Aslam, senior government officials, academics and representatives of the tourism industry. (Newswire)