By: Staff Writer
January 05, Colombo (LNW): Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is set to undergo significant restoration and improvement aimed at boosting visitor numbers and enhancing the tourist experience.
During a meeting chaired by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Prof. Euwan Ranasinghe, plans were shared to address critical infrastructure issues and improve visitor management.
Key initiatives include the restoration of Sigiriya’s ancient water lilies and the upgrade of its museum to meet global standards. These efforts seek to combine historical preservation with modern tourism amenities, ensuring Sigiriya becomes a leading example of sustainable cultural tourism.
The meeting involved representatives from key agencies such as the Tourism Promotion Bureau, the Forest Conservation Department, the Department of Archaeology, and senior officials from the Urban Development Authority and Central Cultural Fund.
The discussions focused on resolving key problems, including long ticket queues, inadequate facilities for rest and safety, poor lighting, and the lack of regulation for tour guides, all of which have negatively impacted the experience of both local and international visitors.
The proposed improvements include streamlining the ticketing process to reduce wait times for visitors. Additionally, safety measures will be enhanced by installing streetlights and upgrading first aid stations.
Rest areas will be created for visitors who are unable to climb Sigiriya, ensuring greater comfort. The signage throughout the site will be developed to be both clear and visually appealing, enriching the overall visitor experience.
Emergency shelters will be improved to effectively address concerns such as wasp attacks. Finally, the Sigiriya Museum will be renovated to align with international standards, highlighting the cultural significance of the site.
Collaboration with the Department of Archaeology will also focus on restoring historical features, including the ancient water lilies.
These proposed upgrades aim to tackle ongoing issues like insufficient facilities, traffic congestion, and unwelcoming security personnel, which have led to dissatisfaction despite high entry fees.
With these enhancements, the Ministry of Tourism aims to elevate Sigiriya to a top global destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
