Sri Lanka Showcases Kalpitiya Tourism Project. Sites Selected for Platforms in Lahugala and Kumana to view Elephants and Birds

04th May 2010, www.island.lk, By Mario Andree

Tourism is gaining at a rapid pace and the recent past has seen some positive indicators for the boost which Sri Lanka hopes to achieve by 2016.

In order to showcase another beautiful Sri Lankan spot, as well as increase room capacity, it is necessary to expedite the development of the Kalpitiya Integrated Tourism Resort Project (KITRP) at the Dutch Bay Islands, an official said. Therefore, six investors in Kalpitiya have been requested to set up two hoardings on their lands in Kalpitya, which will display the layout of their hotel as per their concept, according to Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

They will also construct an abstract model of an accommodation unit (guest room/villa/chalet) to scale, using the materials anticipated for the construction of their hotel.

This presentation will showcase the new designs and concepts being developed by Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, as well as help monitor the quality of workmanship and standards being followed prior to the final approval of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority for construction, SLTDA data showed.

These model units will be constructed before the end of this year with the investments from; Heritage Reserves (Pvt) Ltd, Dutch Bay Resorts, West Agro Property Developers (Pvt) Ltd, Palm Lanka Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, M. S. A Sham Saudeen Development & Reality (Pvt) Ltd and Alpha Tours (Pvt) Ltd, data showed.

Also, the SLTDA said many resorts in the Eastern province are well in progress and construction of the washrooms and changing rooms in the Passikudah Resort commenced last month and will be completed in August.

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for the Resort was published for public comments until April 15. Upon approval of the EIA Report by the CCD, work of the resort will begin. Approval has been granted by the CCD for a pilot hotel project consisting of 40 chalets.

The Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the development of Kuchchavelli is being carried out.

Investors for the development of 48 hotels sites have been selected; the land will be allotted accordingly. Around 150 acres will be developed as a championship golf course.

The Project Implementation Unit for the East Coast Action Plan identified sites for the following development projects,

= Observation platform to view elephants at Lahugala

= Observation platform to view birds at Kumana

SLTDA also awarded star ratings to nine hotels this year during the period of January 1 to April 30.

Four hotels received 1-star category under the programme; they were Full Moon Green Hotel Seeduwa which has 30 rooms, Kandyan Reach Hotel Kurunegala with 23 rooms, Randiya Hotel Moratuwa with 10 rooms and Emarald Bay Induruwa with 50 rooms in the capacity.

Also three hotels were awarded two stars which are Yapahuwa Paradise Yapahuwa with 20 rooms, Browns Beach Hotel Negombo with 140 rooms, Induruwa Beach Induruwa with 90 rooms in their capacity.

The Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya and Hilton Residencies Colombo were awarded four stars.

Related Info :
• Sri Lanka Presentations - Tourism Related Developments