Boost for tourism in NWP

YAPAHUWA: The North Western Province, which claims the heritage of four ancient kingdoms in Sri Lanka is going to be developed as a main tourist attraction in the near future.

This good news came from Highways Development Minister T.B. Ekanayake when he addressed the International Tourism Day celebrations at Raja Maha Viharaya, Yapahuwa on September 27 with the participation of Viharadhipathi Ven. Meegammana Sirirathana Nayaka Thera, NWP Chief Minister Athula Wijesinghe and Sri Lanka Tourist Board Chairman Udaya Nanayakkara who were among many other distinguished invitees.

The event consisted of several features to make the public aware of the advantages of promoting tourism and included a shramadana campaign to clean the nearby main town of Mahawa, a bicycle race and an exhibition of paintings by schoolchildren and an essay competition among schoolchildren.

Parallel to the celebrations, two new web sites promoting tourism industry in the North Western Province and depicting the history of Yapahuwa Kingdom were added to the internet. (www.wayambatourism.lk)

NWP Chief Minister Athula Wijesinghe said that steps will be taken to make Kalpitiya a Tourist Town providing tourist hotels equipped with modern facilities.