Kalpitiya tourism project: Ten islands to be leased out

Measures are under way to lease out 10 islands in Kalpitiya to develop them as tourist destinations under the Kalpitiya Integrated Tourism Resort Project, Project Engineer, W Chandrasiri told the Daily News.

Dolphins at Kalpitiya

He said that Kalpitiya in the Northwestern coast would be the latest addition to tourist zones in the world like Bali and the Maldives.

The applications received by private companies to lease the islands have been forwarded for Cabinet approval and the most suitable companies will be selected, he said.

Fourteen islands in Kalpitiya area are selected for the initial stage of this project and as estimated the total project cost will be USD 4 billion.

The project is expected to be carried out mainly through private investments while the government will facilitate the infrastructure development of the islands.

Roads and houses will be constructed while providing more facilities for the fishing industry to earn the satisfaction of the community living in these islands at present. "The target of the Ministry is 2.5 million tourists into the country by 2016. There is a requirement of about 50,000 hotel rooms. Of this amount 5,000 rooms will be constructed in Kalpitiya.

These will be constructed giving high priority for environmental protection and the natural beauty of the area. Kalpitiya can be a major tourist attraction with corals, dolphins, Wilpattu National Park, archaeological sites and rich cultural heritage in the Puttalam district," he observed.

He also pointed out that the tourism industry would provide more income avenues for the people in these islands who traditionally engage in fishing. "They can involve themselves in tourism related occupations during the fishing off season. Tourism will improve their family economy," he said.

The Project Engineer also mentioned that necessary measures have been taken in coordination with the related Departments and Pradeshiya Sabhas to acquire 17 more islands in Kalpitiya. With the completion of this addition the new tourist zone would consist of 31 islands, he said.

He observed that about three to six months would be spent to obtain permission from the relevant authorities to proceed with the project by submitting environmental assessment and project reports.

Source:http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/12/23/news11.asp