Tourism development needs to expand beyond coastal areas: Ranil

As Sri Lanka is regaining its position as a sought-after destination, President Ranil Wickremesinghe stressed the need to expand the tourism industry beyond the coastal areas, to strengthen the country’s economy.
“Our focus must remain on tourism development, particularly in the Southern province, which holds a special significance. We’re committed to relocating the government offices from Galle Fort, to facilitate tourism promotion,” he said, addressing a gathering at the handing over of Serin River Park, in Holuvagoda, Galle, this week.
Strategic city planning efforts are currently underway to elevate Galle into a premier tourist destination. Through these endeavours, Galle is poised to emerge as the primary tourist hub of Sri Lanka.

“Tourism stands out as a sector capable of swiftly generating income for our nation. It’s crucial that we strive to attract not only more tourists but also those who are inclined to spend more during their visit,” he said.
Further, as Sri Lanka is advancing in tourism development, Wickremesinghe asserted it is imperative to prioritise environmental preservation, for which he said a dedicated act needs to be introduced to safeguard the environment.
Without a thriving natural environment, the appeal of these areas would diminish significantly, he said.