The Hon. Lal Premanath

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, in seconding the Motion brought by Hon. T.K. Jayasundara on tourism, I wish to add a few points. The Deniyaya, Kotapola, and Pitabeddara Divisional Secretariat areas in Matara District possess exceptional natural beauty—tea estates and rainforests—making them highly valuable for tourism. Within the triad mentioned by Hon. Jayasundara, the Matara segment represents a cool rural zone.

¶ 02 There are many measures to develop tourism here. Some assets are already identified and developed; others need discovery. This region suits authentic cultural tourism and ecotourism, with genuine rural communities and rich natural settings. For adventure, there are Sinharaja access routes, waterfalls, and tea factories.

¶ 03 Kotapola DS area can nurture agro-industrial and rural tourism, with tea, cinnamon, and cardamom thriving in a cool climate. Pitabeddara features beautiful hills, traditional agro-heritage, plant nurseries, spice gardens, and natural walking trails. Sinharaja Rainforest lies near Deniyaya; one entrance is via Lankagama. Sinharaja is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ideal for birding, hiking, and biodiversity observation. Culturally, the Kotapola Getabaru Rajamaha Viharaya is renowned and draws devotees nationally.

¶ 04 Another highlight is the Patna Sliding Rock at Viharakele, Deniyaya—natural rock waterslides, popular for adventurous water sports. There are many photogenic waterfalls—Hatmale, Athamala, and Ooran Vetunu Ella—plus yet-undiscovered sites. There are numerous viewpoints and hiking trails. If we focus and elevate this triad, it can become a strong pillar for the tourism industry.