First Phase of Sigiriya Renovation Project to Ease Congestion & Improve Visitor Safety Completed

15th July 2011, www.dailynews.lk, By Disna Mudalige

The first phase of Sigiriya renovation project carried out by the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) to ensure the safety of visitors while easing the congestion has now been completed, said GSMB chairman Dr N P Wijayananda.

He said that the Bureau has been carrying out renovation work for the last one and half years with Rs 52 million in funds received from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

He said that the narrow staircase running from the Lion's paw to the top of the rock was broadened and reconstructed using stainless steel. "Now there are two pathways to climb up and down. Four people can pass each other with ease after the broadening of the steps" he observed.

A section of the platform built to see frescoes had been closed for safety reasons for a long period. This section has now reopened to the public after reconstructing and widening using stainless steel. About six frescoes appear on the surface of the rock in this section.

The GSMB Chairman noted that local technology, consultancy and labour had been used for all the renovation work carried out in Sigiriya.

He said that technology developed by mining engineers in the Kahatagaha Graphite Mine was used as a low cost option without building scaffoldings from the base of the rock to carry out the renovation work. Wijayananda also said that six identified places in Sigiriya, where the rock has loosened due to the natural process of decaying, were anchored and stabilized using steel bars to ensure the safety of visitors. "All these were done manually to avoid any damage to the plaster of frescoes from vibration coming out of machines"noted Dr Wijayananda.

Sigiriya has become one of the major tourist attractions and the number of local and foreign visitors has been on the sharp increase after the dawn of peace. The renovation work was carried out to ensure necessary facilities to all visitors, he said.

Related Info :

• Sigiriya, Eighth Wonder of the World

• State-of-the-art Sigiriya Museum opens doors to history of this World Heritage Site

• Wild Grass - A Nature Resort in Sigiriya Wilderness Sprawled over 33acres

Wild Grass - A Nature Resort in Sigiriya Wilderness Sprawled over 33acres

19th August 2010, www.dailymirror.lk, By Sherwani Synon

Hidden in the wilderness of Sigiriya in an area abundant with chirping birds lies Wild Grass; a new nature resort sprawled on 33 acres of plush land that offers luxury holidaying, delectable food and a step closer to untouched nature.

We were sold, hook line and sinker so decided to head to Sigiriya to see for ourselves what the resort had to offer. Having left Colombo fairly early, the drive was smooth and traffic free and we arrived in time for lunch. First impressions count and being greeted with warm towels and cool papaya drinks eased us into our holiday in style..


Wild Grass has 5 villas designed for double and triple occupancy with twin villas that can house four adults and 2 children. A twin villa was our abode for the night and we came across many a lizard and the unfamiliar sounds of insects and bugs buzzing away in broad day light. The large villa, ideally for families, stood tall.

Designed with glass doors and windows furnished with simple wood. My favorite feature of the villa was that they had used wood instead of metal for furnishing and I think nothing brings out atmosphere and coziness in a room like wood. Each villa consists one living room, bedroom, terrace, private garden and an open air solar shower.

In addition, the villa was equipped with a large flat screen television provided with an infinite number of channels and an interesting selection of books for those who prefer the quiet of in-room holidaying.

After exploring the villa, we decided to head towards a lake located close to the resort. Our tired minds were automatically refreshed at the sight of un-spoilt greenery bedecked with a small lake in the middle of it. Stalks and eagles flew freely above us enjoying unlimited air space.


In the perspective of activities, one can explore the outdoors and the forest by mountain hiking, cycling (which the resort provides), fishing, animal and bird watching. Wild Grass also organizes trips to heritage sites including the Rock Fortress in Sigiriya, Dambulla and the Minneriya sanctuary.

While ambling about the premises, one is bound to cross paths or witness a graceful peacock sauntering about casually. Apart from all the hiking and cycling, the resort also has a pool for those who want to unwind and relax with a swim.

Meals at Wild Grass were delicious. For lunch we were served yellow rice, brinjal moju, chicken curry, dhal curry and fried ‘wew malu’ which was divine! Dinner was served at the roof top of the restaurant.

The ambience was lovely as the view of the entire surrounding was presented to us while we sat a notch closer to the night skies of Sigiriya. The three course meal included seafood ravioli, mushroom soup, stuffed yellow fin jack and crepe suzette for dessert. I was impressed with the meals - and my taste buds are difficult to please.

The man behind these impressive meals is none other than Tissa Perera, General Manager of Wild Grass who is also the Chef at the restaurant.

Speaking to Mr. Perera, he said he entered the hospitality industry at the age of 21 and has been consumed by it. His passion has taken him overseas to the Middle East and the Maldives.

I personally enjoyed my experience at Wild Grass. After a stressful week, it was nice to get away from the hassle of city life by escaping to the jungle. The hospitality and service provided by the staff at the resort was great as everyone was friendly and willing to help - even when I displayed my clumsiness quite openly.

More Info:
Watch the video - The Resort amidst the Wilderness

Wild Grass

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