January 05, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has proposed an ambitious plan to transform the Victoria Dam in Kandy and its surrounding area into a prominent tourist destination, marking a significant leap in the region’s tourism landscape.
Recognized as the tallest dam in the country, the Victoria Dam stands as a cornerstone achievement of the accelerated Mahaweli development project. Commissioned in 1985 and named after Queen Victoria, the dam’s inauguration was presided over by President J.R. Jayewardene and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
As part of the new development initiative, plans are underway to erect a statue of Queen Victoria in close proximity to the dam, commemorating its namesake and historical significance.
The development project is currently in progress, with Central Province Governor Lalith Gamage conducting an inspection of the site’s advancements on the 4th of this month. Governor Gamage emphasized that further enhancements aimed at positioning this area as a prime attraction for both local and international tourists will pave the way for new income opportunities for local residents.
The envisioned transformation of the Victoria Dam area into a tourist hotspot not only celebrates its engineering marvel but also promises to offer visitors an enriched experience while creating economic prospects for the local community.