There is a dire need to develop and improve even the most basic facilities for tourists in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle and other tourist hotspots for the anticipated increase in tourist arrivals in 2023.
The Cultural Triangle – the ancient, historically important sites of Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa – comprises locations frequented by high-end tourists who arrive through formal channels.
Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Priantha Fernando said that they had already engaged with the relevant officials on developing the necessary infrastructure.
“Discussions are ongoing, not only with the Cultural Triangle authorities but also with the Wildlife Department authorities and the officials of the Temple of the Tooth regarding action to be taken to improve tourism numbers,” he said.
Fernando noted that it was essential that prior notice be given to the tourism industry by various authorities when looking to increase charges.
“One thing we have requested is not to increase the charges for some time as has been done in the recent past. We have requested an advance notice of at least six months so that those in the industry can prepare to face the price increases and so on.”
Lack of basic facilities
He said that the most basic of facilities, such as bathrooms for tourists, needed to be installed in key locations.
“We are also looking to add certain visitor facilities in places like Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, and also in other locations such as Unawatuna and Weligama, which lack such facilities. Washrooms are not available and there are also no canteens available even for tourists to get a snack. Therefore, such basic aspects need to be introduced or improved. If you look at any other destination country, the basic facilities are available,” he stressed.
Fernando revealed that some tourist sites were unable to even serve local tourists due to a lack of facilities.
“In places like Passikudah or Kalkudah, there are no facilities available even for the locals. Not only international tourists, but domestic tourists are also important, so at all these places, we need to create the correct environment with facilities and services. This year, we are prioritising infrastructure and superstructure facilities.”
Fernando further noted that room capacity was not an issue as there was ample accommodation for the expected tourist numbers.
“We are not looking at increasing the room capacity immediately because it has to be done in line with the demand for the destination, otherwise it will not be economically viable for the current operators.”
Shortage of funds
Fernando said that while the SLTDA had plans for the development of tourist locations, funds were unavailable due to red tape.
“Unfortunately, we are being held back in this endeavour by Government circulars which restrict capital expenditure and suchlike. However, we will definitely be taking steps to overcome these hurdles and provide the required basic services and facilities at these places.
“Funds have been allocated because they now come through the Tourism Development Levy while a small portion is derived through the Embarkation Tax. Accordingly, the funds available at our disposal are linked to tourist arrivals. However, when it comes to utilising the funds, we are governed by many Government circulars, so capital expenditure has been restricted and there are limitations and restrictions in promotion-related expenditure. Therefore, we have to operate within the framework provided.
“We are lobbying and canvassing, so we hope there will be some sort of flexibility given to the tourism industry, because we have to invest in order to earn the required dollars. Without an investment, you cannot expect a return. We have been showing the authorities exactly how and what we plan to do and what could be expected from such an investment,” Fernando explained.
He added negotiations were ongoing with the Government regarding the utilisation of funds, as it would be a long-term investment in the industry.
SLAITO awaiting response on Cultural Triangle
The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) too said that it had discussed the matter with the Cultural Triangle authorities, but was yet to receive any follow-up.
“We had a meeting with the Cultural Triangle authorities about two months ago, but they are yet to provide us with an update on any new sites. Most tourists who come through the formal sector do a whole round trip. The most important things are the main facilities that are made available to tourists at the sites within the Cultural Triangle.”
Attempts by The Sunday Morning to contact the Central Cultural Fund were unsuccessful.
Tourism projects
According to the Annual Reports of the SLTDA, a total of 809 tourism projects had been commenced in 2019.
“Out of the cumulative figure of 809 tourism projects stated above, 407 projects, amounting to a total investment value of $ 3,157.5 million were issued with final approvals, which will contribute 20,286 rooms to the guest room inventory of the country.”
Two projects, Kaludiya Pokuna and Pidurangala Development Project, had been initiated in the Cultural Triangle to reduce congestion caused by high numbers of tourist arrivals in the previous year.
“By 2018, Sigiriya had become a congested attraction. In order to better distribute the inflow of visitors between the two neighbouring attractions, a sum of Rs. 0.5 million was released to the Central Cultural Fund for the above two development projects.”
Due to the Covid pandemic, tourism and related activities came to a standstill in 2020 with only Rs. 144,216,972 being disbursed to the SLTDA by the Tourism Development Fund, as opposed to Rs. 424,341,943 that had been disbursed in the previous year (2019).
There are no annual reports available for the years 2021 and 2022.