The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, I provide the following reply.

¶ 02 (a) (i) Tourist attractions are not confined to only a few regions; development work is being carried out across the country in areas identified as attractive to tourists. (ii) A programme is in place.

¶ 03 (b) (i) The following sites in Puttalam District have been identified for tourism development: - Nochchiyagama - Arachchikattuwa - Chilaw - Karuwalagaswewa - Madampe - Nainamadama - Golden Beach, Marawila - Marawila Cross Church - Kite surfing - Battalangunduwa - Dutch Fort, Kalpitiya - DAD Beach - Dolphin watching - Nalavila Church - Alankuda Beach - Kudiramale - Gangewadiya - Wilpattu - The Baobab Tree - Malwila Rajamaha Viharaya - Chinativilluwa - Nolgala rock inscription (Nolagala Sellipiya) - Paramakanda Rajamaha Viharaya - Mahauswewa - Anawilundawa Ramsar Wetland - Munneswaram Devalaya/Temple - Tabbowa Reservoir and Sanctuary - Wiladagoda Archaeological Site - Sri Murugan Kovil - Marawila (general beach area) - Kalpitiya area (general attractions)

¶ 04 (ii) Steps being taken: - North Western Province (NWP) Tourism Master Plan: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, together with the Ministry of Urban Development and the Urban Development Authority, commenced preparation of a Provincial Master Plan in 2025, to be completed in 2026. Under this, tourism development work for the NWP is being planned and implemented, including destination planning and design for Kurunegala and Puttalam districts. - Ongoing/initiated projects in Puttalam District: 1) Chilaw Beach Park construction by the North Western Development Authority (allocation: Rs. 55 million). 2) Development planning for the tourism zone around Chilaw Munneswaram and Thaniwelle Devalaya. 3) “Discover Kalpitiya” official website – second phase (North Western Development Authority). - Internal road infrastructure improvements for 24 roads in Kalpitiya to facilitate tourist movement. - Upgrading “Taniya Hotel Road” heavily used by tourists. - Lifeguard training programmes training 113 lifeguards; provision of life-saving equipment for beach guides; 30 tourist guides deployed for Puttalam District through guide courses. - Quality enhancement programmes for tour guides, hoteliers, boat owners, organization and service quality. 4) Installation of a modern sanitation system near the kite-surfing zone. 5) Sanitation system under construction in Ilanthadiya, a high tourist traffic area. - Planned projects: - ADB loan programme support to develop infrastructure around the Kalpitiya kite-surfing area (planned for 2026). - Proposal to the Ministry of Environment to develop the Gangewadiya area as a tourism zone. - Floating jetties planned for Kudawa and Anawasala beach parks. - Development planning for the Eluwankulama entrance to Wilpattu. - Anawilundawa development project planned.

¶ 05 (c) Not applicable.