President calls on Tourism, Wildlife ministries to develop greater Yala concept  

• Says the expansion should cover locales such as Galoya, Maduruoya, Somavatiya, Minneriya and Wasgamuwa
• Sees prospects in establishing wildlife reserves that could offer visitors a fresh and unique experience
• Reiterates tourism revenue could witness a four to fivefold increase through ambitious targets 

In a bid to increase the allure of Sri Lanka’s wildlife as a tourism offering, President Ranil Wickremesinghe called on the relevant authorities to conceptualise the greater Yala concept.

Delivering an address at the launch of the Hilton Yala Resort that opened doors on August 19, he asserted the need to promote Yala by introducing the greater Yala concept. 

“There is a pressing need to enhance the facilities catering to tourists visiting these regions. I kindly urge both the Minister of Wildlife and Forest Conservation and the Minister of Tourism, along with their respective ministry officials, to collaborate on devising a comprehensive development plan for the Yala area,’ said Wickremesinghe.

The expansion should extend to encompass locales such as Galoya, Maduruoya, Somavatiya, Minneriya and Wasgamuwa, he said.

The President noted that the Yala area should be developed as a unified tourist destination, which should incorporate nearby regions such as Udawalawe. The interconnected approach, he suggested, would drive progress and further enhance the tourism experience in the region.

He went on to state that there are also prospects in establishing wildlife reserves that offer visitors a fresh and unique experience, therefore such avenues require significant attention as Sri Lanka develops new strategies to elevate the tourism industry.

“It is essential that we set ambitious targets for the tourism sector, with the goal of doubling the influx of tourists to our country. Correspondingly, the revenue generated from tourism should witness a four to fivefold increase,” reiterated Wickremesinghe.

He expressed confidence is in the hotel sector witnessing improved occupancy towards the end of the year due to the ongoing promotional efforts.

Meanwhile, the first phase of the Sri Lanka Tourism rejuvenation campaign was also launched alongside the Hilton Yala Resort opening.

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau (SLTPB) Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu shared that the overall concept and strategy for the thematic campaign were also presented.