Common UDA, RDA, Railways Dept. plan needed

The Urban Development Authority (UDA), Road Development Authority (RDA) and the Railways Department should work together under a common plan on behalf of future development of the Ella Tourist Zone,” Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena said.

The Minister made these comments during a discussion held at his ministry to explain facts regarding the Ella Development Programme.

“As one of the main ways of earning foreign exchange for Sri Lanka, it is essential to give priority attention to the tourism industry at the moment. It is very important to develop the Ella area, which has a high tourist attraction, in a more formal way for the tourism industry”, the Minister said.

He added that the President recently engaged in an observation tour of these areas and focused special attention on their importance.

The Minister said that the Urban Development Authority, the Road Development Authority and the Railway Department should work together jointly under a common plan.

“These development plans should be implemented to ensure that there is no effect on the environment and the daily lives of people.

The Minister stressed the importance of streamlining the current informal tourism business and attracting more local and foreign tourists to this area.

“Implementation of a common plan will help earn foreign exchange. Accordingly, it is essential to deal with the construction works related to the roads and road reserves owned by the Road Development Authority with a formal plan. Also, in this time of financial crisis, it is timely to give an opportunity to private investors under the supervision of the public sector in order to increase the facilities that are more favourable to tourists.

For that purpose, the Road Development Authority and the Department of Railways will be able to obtain higher returns by providing lands with recognised investment value for suitable investments for a longer term.

It is very important to carry out and monitor these activities so as not to damage the Ella water catchment area and the environmental value.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Highways, officials of the Ministry, the Road Development Authority, the Urban Development Authority and Railway Department were present on this occasion.