By: Staff Writer
July 30, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka expects a significant increase in both local and foreign tourists visiting this year at eco-friendly destinations managed by the Department of Forest Conservation, according to Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Minister of Wildlife, Forest Resources Conservation, and Irrigation. The first half of 2024 saw 364,521 tourists, with 40% being foreigners.
At a press briefing titled “Two Years of Progress and Way Forward” held at the Presidential Media Centre, Minister Wanniarachchi highlighted the rising trend: 289,405 tourists visited these attractions in 2022, increasing to 444,053 in 2023. The current year is already showing promising numbers.
Foreign tourists comprised 19.8% of visitors in 2022, which grew to 27.8% in 2023 and reached 40% in the first half of 2024. The government has taken steps to boost eco-tourism by implementing regulations and legal amendments approved by Parliament.
Several new attractions were introduced to enhance tourism. In 2023, the 2,500-hectare Gal Oya National Park was opened, and an information center was set up at the Kudava Dorana Ela entrance in Sinharaja Forest.
In 2024, the Manigala Forest Lodge in Knuckles Forest Reserve and a bicycle path in Udawattakele, Kandy, were added. Additionally, the Bandarawela Falls Lodge and Galwila Ecological Park in Puttalam district were inaugurated.
To improve the experience for foreign tourists, dedicated sanitary facilities have been established at popular destinations like Sinharaja, Kanneliya, Hurulu, Knuckles, and Udawattakele. An online ticket reservation system, “Day Visitor E-Permits,” is available for several national parks, including Yala, Udawalawe, Horton Plains, Kaudulla, Minneriya, and Wilpattu.
Efforts to increase forest cover from 29% to 32% by 2030 include acquiring around 144,000 hectares of new forest land. The Cabinet has approved legislation encouraging tree planting outside forests, and a draft has been completed.
Modern technology, such as drones, is being used to protect forests, and joint efforts are underway to safeguard non-reserved forests in the North Eastern and North Central Provinces. Forest boundaries are being identified and protected with boundary canals.
Mangrove restoration has been a priority, earning international recognition. Over the past two years, 326 hectares of mangroves have been planted, and Sri Lanka received the United Nations Flagship Award for its contributions during the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
The Department of National Zoological Gardens, despite the economic crisis, earned Rs.1,089.97 million in 2023. By June 2024, revenue increased by 66% compared to the previous year. The State Timber Corporation is also expected to record a net profit in 2024, with revenue reaching Rs.2,000 million.
Measures to control the elephant menace have been implemented, with over 4,700 workers maintaining 5,390 km of electric fencing. A survey on the country’s elephant population is planned for the first time in 13 years. Additionally, the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance has been amended, introducing new laws to combat wildlife crimes effectively.
