The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, I thank Hon. Lal Premanath for seconding my Motion, and Hon. Upul Kithsiri, Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, and our Hon. Deputy Minister for their views.

¶ 02 My aim is to designate the Southern Mist Triangle—formed by Hiniduma, Kanneliya, and Sinharaja—as a tourism zone. I agree with the Deputy Minister’s proposal to Gazette the area and establish appropriate administrative structures under the Tourism Ministry swiftly.

¶ 03 Secondly, we must protect this pristine area while developing it. Many among the global affluent seek serene, unspoiled havens. We should facilitate premium residences for long-stay wellness, develop model tourism villages around scenic sites, and promote homestays so visitors can live with local families—offering affordability and community benefit. The Ministry should drive these new approaches.

¶ 04 We can establish helicopter pads, golf courses, luxury and Ayurvedic hospitals, horse riding facilities, and cable-car experiences; develop meditation centers and yoga ashrams; and set up processing for premium tea, kithul products, cinnamon, and spices. Scenic waterfalls—Angamiri Ella, Doowili Ella, Lankagama Brahmana Ella, Kanneliya waterfalls, Anagimala Ella—and 360-degree viewpoints and mountain summits can be sensitively developed for recreation.

¶ 05 We must also promote local cuisine, culture, and hospitality. Training for homestay hosts, guides, and food service providers is essential, focusing on selling our authentic products without altering the environment or society. Kithul treacle and toddy are famous here—these can enrich the visitor experience.

¶ 06 From Ratnapura, Galle, Matara, Matugama, and beyond—this is one integrated zone despite provincial boundaries. I propose a common administrative framework for the entire zone so benefits reach people quickly. I thank all who contributed.

¶ 07 Question put, and agreed to.