Pottuvil and Lahugala tourism areas to receive Rs. 350 Mn World Bank assistance

The tourism areas of Pottuvil and Lahugala in the Ampara District are set to undergo development with financial assistance from the World  Bank (WB), at an estimated cost of Rs. 350 million.

The second-stage meeting to conduct Project Feasibility Studies for the special development programmes to be implemented in the areas was held at the Pottuvil Library Auditorium recently.

The meeting was chaired by Pottuvil Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) Chairman Attorney-at-law S.M.M. Muszhaaraff. Representatives of the World Bank, senior officials from government institutions and resident experts participated in the meeting and presented their views and recommendations.

The development programmes have been planned with a focus on internationally renowned tourist destinations in the Pottuvil and Lahugala areas. In particular, the world-famous Arugam Bay tourism destination is expected to be upgraded with modern facilities under this programme.

Chairman S.M.M. Muszhaaraff explained the importance of the proposed development programmes and the social and economic transformation they are expected to bring to the people of the area.

Eastern Province Commissioner of Local  Government A.T.M. Rafee, the Chairman of the Lahugala Pradeshiya Sabha, special representatives of the World Bank, officials of expert consultancy teams from India and Sri Lanka, officials from the Regional Assistant Commissioner of Local Government’s Office, Department of Wildlife Conservation, Forest Department, Central Environmental Authority, Road Development Authority and Coast Conservation Department, as well as Divisional Secretaries and Grama Niladharis, were among those who attended.

Source : Daily News