The Presidential Task Force for the implementation of Sri Lanka’s Tourism Development Programme met at the Presidential Secretariat today (16) under the chairmanship of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath.
During the meeting, attendees held extensive discussions on strategies and future actions to resolve existing challenges and barriers in the tourism sector, with the aim of promoting Sri Lanka as a sustainable tourism destination.
A key proposal discussed was the establishment of a special tourism zone titled the “Southern Mist Corridor”, integrating the districts of Galle, Matara and Ratnapura. Under this initiative, a broader development plan will be implemented across the Southern and Sabaragamuwa Provinces, focusing on the Sinharaja forest reserve, the Kanneliya–Dediyagala–Nakiyadeniya forest complex and the Hiniduma mountain range, the President’s Media Division said in a statement.
The proposed zone seeks to introduce a regulated framework to address unpermitted hotel construction and environmental degradation currently affecting the area, while ensuring the protection of its natural ecosystem, the PMD noted.
Plans were also discussed to promote tea based Tea- tourism and eco-tourism within the region. An Integrated Operations Committee will be established to coordinate all aspects of the proposed development programme.
Attention was also drawn to the proposed Maritime Tourism Corridor, to be implemented over a 10-year period in three phases by Capital Marine and Civil Construction (CMC). The first phase will introduce ferry services based in Jaffna in the Northern Province, with subsequent expansion planned towards Colombo and Galle.
The PMD said film tourism was also discussed in detail, with focus on addressing practical challenges faced by foreign film crews when obtaining filming approvals in Sri Lanka. The review included progress on establishing a single-window system to streamline approvals, as well as resolving issues related to the temporary importation of filming equipment.
A joint initiative involving the Air Force, the Civil Aviation Authority and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau was also reviewed, aimed at promoting skydiving activities for tourists around Koggala Airport.
It was further noted that new guidelines for whale and dolphin watching have been finalised. Work is underway to regulate the sector and introduce an online registration system.
Discussions also focused on promoting night-time tourism in Colombo, including the “Marine Night” weekend programme at Marine Drive. Visa-related matters and tourist security concerns were also reviewed.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe, Ratnapura District Member of Parliament Upul Kithsiri, Galle District Member of Parliament T.K. Jayasundara and Matara District Member of Parliament Lal Premanath. Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Senior Economic Adviser to the President Duminda Hulangamuwa, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government S. Aloka Bandara, Acting Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Himali Arunathilaka, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage and Director General of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Malkanthi Rajapaksa were also present, along with a group of government officials and senior security officials.
