The Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, I draw the attention of the House to this matter. Along with the programmes implemented by the present Government, approximately 500,000 tourists have arrived in Sri Lanka so far in 2025. With their arrival, we see significant progress in our tourism industry. We believe our country’s attractions should be promoted islandwide at this juncture.

¶ 02 However, we observe relatively low focus and interest regarding the North-Western Province within tourism development. Therefore, I bring this proposal.

¶ 03 Although around 500,000 tourists have arrived in Sri Lanka this year, only about 2% have visited the North-Western Province. When developing tourism in Sri Lanka, it is necessary to explain why tourism is not well established in the North-Western Province, which is one of the most important provinces, with beautiful environments, minimal barriers, and safe, livable surroundings suitable for large numbers of tourists.

¶ 04 I particularly draw attention to the extensive marine waters along the Puttalam coast, from Wennappuwa up to Kalpitiya and beyond. From Kalpitiya, the coastline stretches about 28 kilometres northwards, and within this area are many attractions—Uchchimuniya, Pallivasalthurai, and at the far end, the Battalangunduwa Island, which lies about 28 kilometres offshore. This area is highly attractive to tourists, but we have not utilized it sufficiently. Likewise, there are major inland attractions such as the Tabbowa Wewa and other reservoirs. We must also focus on Wilpattu with its extensive forest cover. We have not provided proper guidance to tourists regarding such resources. The Puttalam District should be designated and developed as a tourism zone.

¶ 05 In addition, the province contains numerous historic royal capitals and sites—from the landing place of King Vijaya, to five ancient capitals—within the North-Western Province. Major capitals such as Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa, and Kurunegala are located here. Yet there is insufficient awareness among global tourists about these capitals. Therefore, we are preparing the Kurunegala District for tourism. Locations such as Dodamgaslanda and Mawathagama contain unique beauty—the hill ranges and many attractive sites—which we will establish as tourist attractions and make the North-Western Province a favourable tourism hub, together with the Governor of the North-Western Province. We have already formulated plans for cable-car projects and large-scale development around reservoirs.

¶ 06 Mr. Speaker, I request that we raise global awareness on tourism and prepare the North-Western Province to become a premier tourist destination.