SLTDA and Tourism Ministry called out by COPE for failing to develop islands in Kalpitiya

The Ministry of Tourism and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) were called out by the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) for failing to develop the islands in Kalpitiya despite having received Cabinet approval, a delay that is taxing the hard-hit tourism sector in terms of development, investment, and revenue generation.

A total of 12 islands that are under SLTDA remain untouched for nearly a decade, and despite an investor having applied to develop five of the islands (2,055 acres) in 2011. 

The delay is attributed to the relevant authorities failing to identify the institution to obtain approval for the water bungalows project.

COPE Chairman Charitha Herath asserted prolonged delays for obtaining approvals, even for investors who have a positive track record, are an obstacle to the development of the tourism industry and the national economy.
To ensure the islands are utilised to their full potential, the COPE directed the Tourism Ministry and the SLTDA to implement a “special project” within a “strong” legal framework.

The Cabinet approval has already been granted for the utilisation of the 12 islands in Kalpitiya for tourism, and a steering committee, with representations from the Marine Environment (MEPA) Protection Authority, Central Environmental Authority (CEA), North Western Provincial Council, and the Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Department, has been established.

The COPE also stressed the need to make more effective use of the properties owned by the SLTDA located in other areas of the country for the betterment of the tourism industry.