The Uva province should be systematically developed while protecting its natural environment, as a tourist destination with special emphasis on Ella-Wellawaya area, stressed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe during an inspection tour of the Ella town recently.
At a conference held at the Divisional Secretariat with the officials including the Divisional Secretary and Pradeshiya Sabha Secretary, the current situation relating to the tourist industry in the area was reviewed.
The Prime Minister directed officials to conduct a census on the present hotel accommodation in the area and furnish him a comprehensive report without delay on the constraints and shortcomings of the tourist industry.
The Prime Minister told officials that the influx of tourists to the Uva Province would certainly increase with the commissioning of the Hambantota port and the Mattala Airport in mid 2018 and as such Ella will have to be made a major tourist destination.
The Prime Minister called for views and proposals for an environment-friendly program to develop Uva as a tourist destination with special attention on the Dowa Temple, and the Namunukula and Ravana Caves.
The construction of new hotels and restaurants should conform to the overall tourist development plan of the area. Peoples’ representatives and relevant ministers should to be consulted before finalising the development plan. While developing the tourist industry, the provincial agricultural base has to be strengthened, the Premier said. He also underscored the need to develop the Ella Railway Station too after he discussed the existing shortcomings with railway officials.