Compared to the past two years, 2024 is expected to see a significant increase in the number of local and foreign tourists visiting attractive destinations managed by the Department of Forest Conservation, Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said.
The Minister of Wildlife, Forest Resources Conservation, and Irrigation said 289,405 tourists visited these destinations in 2022 and the number rose to 444,053 in 2023, while 364,521 tourists have already visited in the first six months of 2024 alone.
She further said among these visitors, 19.8% were foreign tourists in 2022 and this percentage increased to 27.8% in 2023 and has reached 40% so far in 2024.
Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi revealed that to strengthen the economy by earning foreign exchange, the ministry has prepared regulations to uplift the eco-tourism industry, obtained Parliament’s approval, and made the necessary legal amendments.
Following are some of the measures taken by the Ministry of Wildlife, Forest Resources Conservation, and Irrigation to uplift the eco-tourism industry in Sri Lanka;
- National Parks & Forest Reserves-
In 2023, the 2,500-hectare Gal Oya National Park was opened to the public as a new tourist destination. Additionally, an information Centre was established at the entrance gate of the Kudava Dorana ela in Sinharaja Forest, drawing more visitors. In 2024, the Manigala Forest Lodge was built in the Ilukkumbura area of the Knuckles forest reserve, and a bicycle path was opened in Udawattakele, Kandy for tourists. This year also saw the opening of the Bandarawela Falls Lodge and Galwila Ecological Park in the Puttalam district.
To address the sanitary issues faced by foreign tourists, dedicated sanitary facilities have been established exclusively for foreign passport holders at popular tourist destinations such as Sinharaja, Kanneliya, Hurulu, Knuckles, and Udawattakele. Additionally, an online ticket reservation system named “Day Visitor E-Permits” is now available for Yala, Udawalawe, Horton Plains, Kaudulla, Minneriya, and Wilpattu National Parks.
- Mangrove ecosystems
Special emphasis has been placed on the restoration of mangrove ecosystems, and Sri Lanka’s efforts have received international recognition. Over the past two years, Sri Lanka has planted 326 hectares of mangroves, and this year, Sri Lanka was honoured with the United Nations Flagship Award for its contributions to mangrove restoration during the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
- Department of National Zoological Gardens
The Department of National Zoological Gardens under the ministry was also adversely affected by the country’s economic crisis. Although revenue was low during those years, the department earned Rs.1, 089.97 million in 2023. By the end of June 2023, revenue reached Rs.436.71 million, and by the end of June 2024, it had increased to Rs.728.60 million, representing a 66% growth compared to the previous year.
- State Timber Corporation
The State Timber Corporation is expected to record a net profit by the end of the year, thanks to the revenue of Rs.2, 000 million achieved so far in 2024.
- Human – wild elephant conflict
The measures taken to control the elephant menace, a significant issue in Sri Lanka, helped reduce human and wild elephant deaths starting in 2023.
To support this effort, over 4,700 workers have been hired to maintain the existing 5,390 km of electric fencing.
The ministry also plans to conduct a survey on the country’s elephant population for the first time in 13 years within the next two months. Moreover, the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance has been amended, and new laws have been introduced to combat wildlife crimes more effectively. (Newswire)