A committee to probe into issues relating to Kithulgala white water rafting due to the Broadlands hydropower project will be appointed. Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake issued instructions to appoint a committee to look into the problems that have arisen in connection with white water rafting centered around the Kitulgala area due to the Broadlands hydropower project and to make recommendations on possible solutions.
The President’s Secretary issued these instructions during the discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat on Monday to find possible solutions to this issue.
He also advised that this committee, comprising officials from the Tourism Ministry and line institutions, conduct a field investigation into the issues raised and submit a report within two weeks. White water rafting in the Kitulgala area has drawn a large number of local and foreign tourists.
According to those who provide related services, the Broadlands hydropower project has had a significant impact on the operation of the Kithulgala water rafting industry. As a result, their livelihoods have been greatly impacted, and they have requested the authorities to help save this sport, which has the potential for earning foreign exchange for the country.
The Director of Broadlands Hydropower Project, who participated in this discussion, stated that steps have been taken to cooperate with the Kithulgala white water rafting service provider community in accordance with existing technical arrangements.
However, the President’s Secretary drew attention to the practical issues raised by the community providing relevant services and directed officials to provide solutions as soon as possible.
MP Rajika Wickramasinghe, Sports and Youth Affairs Ministry Secretary K. Mahesan, Irrigation Ministry Secretary U.D.C. Jayalal, and officials from the Tourism Ministry, Ceylon Electricity Board, Central Environment Authority, and other line institutions took part in this discussion.
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