Dambulla–Sigiriya Tourism Development Project officially launched

The Sri Lankan Government, with financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has officially launched the Dambulla–Sigiriya Tourism Sector Development Project under the broader Sustainable Tourism Sector Development Project (STSDP), which also covers Trincomalee. The project was inaugurated yesterday (20).

The ADB has extended a USD 30 million loan for the initiative, which will be implemented under the leadership of the Ministry of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development. 

It will operate as an integrated programme with the participation of the Department of Archaeology, Department of Wildlife, Department of Forest Conservation, Central Provincial Council, Matale District Secretariat, Dambulla Divisional Secretariat, Dambulla Pradeshiya Sabha, and the Central Cultural Fund.

Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara, said in a statement that the project’s objectives include improving infrastructure at tourist destinations, enhancing competitiveness in the tourism sector, strengthening urban services, boosting destination management, creating climate‑resilient tourism hubs, and establishing an accessible and inclusive tourism environment for all communities.

Taking into account strategic positioning and existing tourism potential, Dambulla–Sigiriya in the Central Province and Trincomalee in the Eastern Province have been selected as the two main development locations.

Under Package 01, five major sub‑projects will be carried out, including the improvement of the New Town bus stand, rehabilitation of Siyawasama Mawatha, development of Sigiri Wewa (Sigiriya tank), improvement of the foreign tourists’ vehicle park at Sigiriya, and development of the Sigiriya museum premises and open‑air theatre. These sub‑projects are scheduled for completion within 18 months, with a contract value of Rs. 1,206 million.

Under Package 02, four additional sub‑projects will be implemented, covering the conservation and development of Mapagala, Pidurangala, and Kaludiya Pokuna, along with the development of the Heritage Trail from Ramakele to Thalkote, spanning 11 km. These works will be completed within a 30‑month contract period, at a cost of Rs. 1,085 million. (Newswire)

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