A high-level discussion on developing the historic Ridi Viharaya in Kurunegala into an international tourist destination was held yesterday (November 3) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs Dr. Namal Sudarshana and Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
The project aims to transform Ridi Viharaya into an international Buddhist and spiritual wellness hub while preserving its historical and cultural heritage. By positioning the temple complex as a major attraction for yoga, meditation, and spiritual retreats, the government targets drawing approximately 5,000 foreign tourists per month to significantly boost Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.
Plans discussed during the meeting include maintaining the temple and its surrounding environment as a carbon-free zone, with eco-friendly measures applied to local transport operations, dining facilities, and visitor services. Additionally, the initiative focuses on providing awareness and skill training to local youth, as well as upgrading road networks and infrastructure to seamlessly connect Ridi Viharaya with nearby tourist attractions.
The successful execution of the master plan will rely on coordinated efforts across key state bodies, including the Ministry of Tourism, the Urban Development Authority, the North Western Provincial Tourism Development Authority, the Road Development Authority, the Department of Wildlife Conservation, and the Department of Forest Conservation. (Newswire)