July 31, Colombo (LNW): A memorandum of understanding was signed yesterday at the Prime Minister’s Office between the Ministry of Transport and Highways, the Urban Development Authority, and the Central Cultural Fund for a tourism management project near the Ella Nine-Arch Bridge.
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena presided over the event.
For the first time in Sri Lanka, an ambulance service will be introduced adjacent to a national heritage site.
The second phase of the project includes a tourism initiative at Demodara railway station.
Prime Minister Gunawardena praised the development of tourism hubs, highlighting the engineering marvel of the Nine-Arch Bridge and stressing the need to protect the natural environment and preserve heritage for future generations.
Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardena noted that the Ella Odyssey, Dunhinda Odyssey, and Calypso trains are crucial for promoting tourism.
He mentioned that a proposal to modernise and develop the railway service has been submitted to the President.
The agreement was signed by Mr. Gamini Ranasinghe, Director General of the Central Cultural Fund, and Mr. S.S. Mudalige, General Manager of Sri Lanka Railway Department.
Other attendees included Minister of Buddha Sasana Vidura Wickramanayake, MP Yadamini Gunawardena, Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Transport Ranjith Rubasinghe, and Secretary to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana H.M.P.B. Herath, along with ministry officials.
