The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara

¶ 01 We are speaking about a unique, evergreen wet inter-montane ecosystem located between 2,000–3,000 feet in the tropical zone, an area highly suitable for human habitation.

¶ 02 I describe a special inter-montane “mist triangle” formed by three rainforest masses situated close to each other. Because these forests are perpetually draped in mist, we call them the “Mist Mountains.” Sinharaja too is often shrouded in mist; hence, this can be identified as a mist triangle. Many towns encircle this triangle: on one side Udugama, Pitigala, Neluwa, Elpitiya, Sooriya Kanda, Kalawana, Deniyaya and Ratnapura. Linked to these towns is a network of wewas (small tanks), canals, and rivers—a grand natural system of exceptional beauty. This ecosystem is particularly important now, at a moment when, under a National People’s Power Government, the nation is awakening and Sri Lanka can open a new chapter in tourism.

¶ 03 What is special here? Access is easy from multiple directions: from Colombo via Matugama and Pelawatte; from Hikkaduwa, Bentota, Ambalangoda via Elpitiya and Pitigala; from Galle and Hikkaduwa via Udugama and Thawalama, through Neluwa to Lankagama; from Galle and Matara via Deniyaya; and from Udawalawa, Kalawana, and Ratnapura. You can enter this region from six or seven sides of Sri Lanka.

¶ 04 Yet tourists often bypass this area, heading instead to traditional hill destinations like Ella or Nuwara Eliya for cool climates. But this zone is close by and centrally connects the districts of Hambantota, Colombo, and Ratnapura. How do we generate income for the country from this ecosystem? How do we make it a new way of life for local communities? That is today’s discussion.

¶ 05 We must consider attracting global tourism through this. Sri Lanka is famed for its beautiful beaches, but many high-end tourists avoid our sea because we lack Blue Flag recognition due to E. coli contamination in coastal waters. In contrast, within this zone we have pristine, non-polluted freshwater—crystal waters that wellness tourists seek.

¶ 06 This is also an oxygen-rich area. Tourists prefer to spend their limited time in high-oxygen environments. The mist triangle, flanked by the dry zone of Hambantota and the cool zone of Nuwara Eliya, offers a soft, temperate climate—neither arid nor cold, very comfortable for people. Many of our traditional tourist zones are overused; this, by contrast, is an unspoiled zone that we can build sustainably into a premier destination.

¶ 07 Sri Lanka is renowned for gems, cinnamon, spices, and handicrafts; all converge here. From Ambalangoda and Bentota you reach Elpitiya’s birding habitats; from Galle and Matara, tea country; from Ratnapura, the gem fields. Altogether this is an excellent spice-producing region—highly valuable for tourists.

¶ 08 There are historical and cultural sites as well, including the scenic Hiniduma Church nestled between the cultural mountain and the Gin River, located between Hiniduma Mountain and Kanneliya. Significant temples are in this area too. It is a culturally diverse, semi-urban region where Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities live within a strong village culture. There are many adventurous places—ideal for varied experiences—rich in birdlife, wildlife, and diverse flora. Establishing this new zone here can generate substantial national income.

¶ 09 As visitors move from Bentota, Ambalangoda and Hikkaduwa, products linked to birding, tea, kithul (jaggery/toddy), and spices can be revitalized, spurring related industries.