1. Sri Lanka is a stunning tropical paradise island in the Indian Ocean located near to India, creating a diversity of attractions which range from historical to archeological and natural. Strategic importance offered the exposure to this island region to establish links between West and East from early times because of its array of natural attractions which range from archeological, historical, long traditions embraced with its wealthy traditional culture, literature, history and the one and only its people whom best known for his or her friendliness and hospitality has prompted many to visit this beautiful island.
2. Thirty years of separatist war by the globe most ruthless terror outfit, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), experienced devastated especially the North and Eastern areas of our country. It had not created much conducive environment for just about any business including tourism in Sri Lanka. Three years of warfare which destructed all most all strata of the society and there have been significant devastation for the property and property in North and Eastern areas. Overall infrastructure facilities are extremely weakened in these areas therefore so many main related issues had emerged from this situation.
3. Having preconceived ideas in their brains still almost all of the folks in this part of our own country feel that they are really segregated or discriminated by the Sinhalese bulk in the country and they're not treated equally. To outset this mentality and re-build our region from this post conflict circumstance specially the areas in north and east it includes recognized that development of travel and leisure industry can play a essential role. Having understanding the importancy, authorities took the effort to develop infrastructure with the aim of enhance the connectivity with north and the east and as a whole to reconnect or re-establish website link between the south. If you examine these two main areas there are whole lot of spots readily available to promote travel and leisure and with regard to special factor given to post conflict situation new strategy is rolling out to identify and development of the traveler probable in the North and East. Definitely, this can be use to fortify the peace and balance and to win the hearts and brains of folks who had experienced immensely due to the gory of warfare.
AIM
4. The aim of this paper is to emphasis the development of tourism in North and East and how its going to contribute towards achieving ecological peace.
BACKGROUND
5. Known by one or other of its many names like Lanka, Serendib, Taprobane, Zellan, Cellao, Ceylon & most famous as 'The pearl of Indian Ocean' are a few. Sri Lanka was well-known for gems, pearls, ivory, spices, irrigation and agricultural systems, motorboat manufacturing and for tea in historic time period. Apart from these it was nothing to other countries if you consider about its sun-drenched and hot beaches, natural rainwater forests, untamed life, drinking water falls, cool misty mountains, various ground features, archeological sites, flora and many, you name it - you can see them all in this heaven island and because of its uniqueness United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Company (UNESCO) under their world history convention has included eight areas including six ethnical and two natural areas of those prices under world traditions sites which has further amplified the importance of our beautiful island.
6. The areas belong to both north and east have a long-standing history in regards to to both ancient and travel and leisure. Cultural heritage of both districts goes way back to historic times and it reminds continuous flow of visitors from various parts of the world and it plainly signifies these areas were ongoing attractions of the visitors. Aside from all, these areas were mainly popular because of its natural attractions, socio-cultural attractions and synthetic attractions.
7. Both these areas are very much popular because of its long stretches of even sandy beaches with warm bluish water. The Nilaveli is considered as one of the better beaches and Arugam bay was named World's 13 best browsing loc due to its tropical influx and both areas covers two third of the coastal line of the country. Eastern coast is regarded as best for the ocean based recreational activities. In addition, all these areas are famous for underwater diving, going swimming, whale watching and sailing were a few of the sights for both overseas and domestic tourists in the past mainly prior to the intensifying of the conflict.
8. If you take the other sights you can find some rich cultural history sites which give clear facts about the greatness of our own ancestors those who lived in those areas. It is not confined to 1 faith or community generally there are so many sites related to Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity, each one of these were best travelers' attractions before the war.
9. There are several wild life sanctuaries, aviaries, natural reserves and forest areas especially in the eastern area which added natural destinations and eco based tourism to the nation.
10. Since, these areas were home for multi ethnic neighborhoods specially the eastern part it offered a valuable contribution for tourism through cultural diversification. All three major communities Sinhala, Tamil and Muslims were moving into tranquility in these areas prior to the warfare escalated.
11. There were certain steps and actions were considered by the government for the development and campaign of travel and leisure in these areas. Some of them are as fol.
a. First Travel and leisure Grasp Plan (1967-1976).
` b. Second Travel and leisure Grasp Plan (1992-2001).
c. Trincomalee Ocean City Development Plan.
d. Strategic Travel and leisure Development Plan for North and East.
12. However, nothing of above plans were seems to have placed sufficient focus on the need to improve tourism scheduled to numerous reasons & most influential reason was the extended war situation prevailed in those areas.
POTENTIAL OF Growth OF TOURISM INDUSTRY TO Warfare AFFECTED ZONES
13. Sri Lankan authorities with the goal of developing tourism industry in the North and East had launched certain development jobs to achieve its perspective to transform tourism industry in the country as the major forex earner benefiting the stakeholders of travel and leisure and the people of Sri Lanka. World bank offered its fullest support in this regard and certain areas were totally unreachable due to the war that was there going back three ages. Therefore, certain performance targets were revised following the eradication of the terrorism problem and subsequent restoration of tranquility and order in the united states.
14. To promote the whole country as a visitor destination based on the overall objective emphasis was presented with to the development of industry especially in North and East just not and then gain foreign exchange but also to uplift the health of the people and to achieve sustainable peacefulness in the united states. Following areas were determined as major development areas in these to provinces.
a. Northern province. It comes with an area of 8, 884 square kilometers and demarcated by North central and North traditional western provinces from its southern boundary, Gulf of Mannar and Palk bay from its western world, Palk right to the northern suggestion and Bay of Bengal to its east. You will find few administrative divisions in the province, which are Jaffna, Mannar, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya and Mullaittivu. All of the areas were badly damaged by the three years of war. Most crucial element in this province is that we now have certain islands belongs to this province, those are Mandathivu, Kayts, Punguduthivu, Nainathivu, Karaithivu, Analathivu, Chirathivu, Eluvaithivu, Iranathivu, Nedunthivu, Palaithivu and Kachchathivu. Many of these islands are protected with some sandy beaches. Area is also known for its traditional ancient history, that was enriched, by solid socio and economical culture. Generally, it has a exotic hot weather and estimated people was 1. 3 million in year 2007. Important places those are in relationship with tourism as fols.
(1) Nagadeepa Temple.
(2) Nallur Kandaswamy Hindu Kovil.
(3) Jaffna Fort.
(4) Jaffna Catalogue.
(5) The Sangilian Palace.
(6) The Manthri Walauwa.
(7) Mawadipuram Kovil.
(8) Ponnalai Pond.
(9) Dambakolapatuna Temple.
(10) Madagal Beach.
(11) Cashurina Beach.
(12) Delft Island.
(13) Kotakadu Beach.
(14) Chankanai Cathedral.
(15) Kadurugoda (Kantharidai) Buddhist Temple.
(16) Bottomless Well at Puththur.
(17) Point Pedro Beach and Light House.
(18) Vallipuram Kovil.
(19) Naguleshwaren Sivam Kovil.
(20) Kudiramalai Point.
(21) Madhu Shrine in Mannar.
(22) Iranamadu Reservoir.
(23) Elephant cross.
(24) Vattapalai Hindu Temple in Mullaittivu.
(25) Areas related to Warfare Terrorism.
b. Eastern Province. With a complete gross land region of 9, 996 sq km Eastern province is the major province in the country with fourth minimum society density of 162 folks per sq km. It consists of three districts namely Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara. Each one of these three districts involve some superb bluish beeches and with some added visitors attractions such as whale watching and diving. Ampara, Arugam Bay is well-known for its tropical waves that are ideal for browsing on. Furthermore, there are few outdoors life and bird parks. Main visitors' interest places are as fols.
(1) In Trincomalee District.
(a) Bay Area in the Outer Harbour includes:
i. Marble Bay.
ii. Sweet Bay.
iii. Deadman, s Cove.
1v. Clappenburg Bay.
(b) Nilaveli/Kuchchaveli/Uppuveli Areas.
(c) Coastal Belt from Kuchchaveli to Kokilai Lagoon.
(d) Coastal Belt from Kuchchaveli to Sinnakaratchi Area.
(e) Pigeon Island conserve as a countrywide park.
(f) Kokilai lagoon selected as a bird sanctuary.
(g) Thennamaravadi bird sanctuary.
(h) Whale and Dolphin viewing area outer harbour.
(2) In Batticaloa Region.
(a) The Dutch Fort.
(b) Pasikudha Beach/ Kaluwankerny Beach/Kallady Beach/Kayankerni Beach/Mankerni Beach.
(c) Kalkudha Bay.
(d) Sathrukodan reputed for its bird species and crocodiles.
(e) Vakarai Sand Spit, Uppar Lagoon, Panchchankerni and Veranativu famous for its ecological behaviors.
(f) Palameenmadu well-known for its attractive landscape.
(3) In Ampara Region.
(a) Arugam Bay.
(b) Pottuvil Lagoon.
(c) Kalmunai Beach/Komari Beach/Peanut farm Beach.
(d) Kumana National Playground.
(e) Lahugala/Kitulana National Area.
(f) Muhudu Maha Viharaya.
15. Identification of the cultural value in the area is an essential requirement of travel and leisure, in this relation there are few important areas that people have to consider. The Veddha community still lives in these areas keeping their traditional life style, the wide ethnic diversity anticipated to variety of cultural organizations and religions and also the occurrence of smaller cultural categories indigenous to the province, such as Malays, Gypsies and Burghers especially in the eastern province. The Ramayana trial from the epic Ramayana, there are over 50 sites have been determined in Sri Lanka and six of these in the eastern province. Pada Yathra, a historical pilgrim traditions is from the eastern province via Ampara and Kumana forests areas to Katharagama holy land to worship Lord Murugan. Spiritual worships were mentioned previously and Marine travel and leisure too advertisings some supplementary value to entire industry.
SITUATION ANALYSIS
16. Having considered about the areas which we could expand to be able to develop tourism industry in the united states it was clearly obvious that the areas related to North and East could provide and give a vital contribution in this regard. Hence, it is paramount worth focusing on to conduct a situation examination where we can further get an understanding in order to cope with the matter within an apposite manner. Here we perform the procedure under SWOT (Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Hazards) evaluation method and factor of other factors in order to see further components, which will affect to attain our objectives. Pursuing are the results from the SWOT evaluation in respect of the subject matter.
a. North province will mainly contain pursuing factors.
(1) Talents.
(a) Return of peace and normalcy.
(b) Very fine beaches with safe swimming conditions.
(c) Cultural encounters.
(d) Archeological and historical sites.
(e) Religious interest sites.
(f) Local aviation related areas.
(g) Areas related to conflict tourism.
(2) Weaknesses.
(a) Inadequate of accommodation/basic facilities.
(b) Lack of skilled staff in this field.
(c) Religious common myths/cast system.
(e) Distance from capital.
(f) Lack of understanding of the industry.
(3) Opportunities.
(a) Better availability by roads in forseeable future.
(b) Increase interest with regard to field especially following the war.
(c) Jobs availability in the trade.
(d) Mixture of varieties in regards to to hobbies' of the travelers.
(e) Fresh beaches/natural sites.
(f) Investment that will bring successful dividends.
(4) Hazards.
(a) Integration with the neighborhood community is low.
(b) Sympathetic/ideological differences prevailing against LTTE.
(c) Insufficient interest of the visitors to contribute.
(d) Financial condition/poverty level.
b. Eastern province will mainly consist of following factors
(1) Advantages.
(a) Come back of peace and normalcy.
(b) Very fine beaches with safe going swimming conditions.
(c) Unique seasonality and beneficial whether over summer and winter.
(d) Archeological and historical sites.
(e) Religious interest sites/ Ethnic experiences.
(f) Wild life/bird observing/proximity to nationwide parks.
(g) Water sports activities.
(2) Weaknesses.
(a) Inadequate of accommodation/basic facilities.
(b) Absence of skilled workers in this field.
(c) Neglected and poor infrastructure conditions.
(e) Local environment problems.
(f) Insufficient knowledge about the industry.
(3) Opportunities.
(a) Better convenience by roads in forseeable future.
(b) Increase interest with regard to field especially after the war.
(c) Jobs supply in the trade.
(d) Combination of varieties with regard to passions' of the travelers.
(e) Unique coastal collection stretching out more than 200 kilometers.
(f) Perfect Asian holiday destination in summer months.
(g) Domestic air port facilities.
(4) Hazards.
(a) Integration with the neighborhood community is low.
(b) Sympathetic/ideological distinctions prevailing against LTTE.
(c) Lack of interest of the people to contribute.
(d) Financial condition/poverty level.
(e) Ribbon development developing across the coastline scheduled to non
adherence to the land use planning control.
17. Carefully examination of the results of the situational research will gives a standard representation of the objective to achieve the objective that is the most precious ecological tranquility for our country. There are specific important areas, that have to be address by the government and private sector must play a vital role of obtaining the common aim. So far as the government can be involved, it is therefore essential to develop infrastructure facilities such as gain access to roads, electricity, drinking water for taking in and other purposes, sewage deposal and throw away disposal at the initial stage and private sector could contribute specially with regard to achieve financial steadiness and development of individual tool factor with the aim of facilitating the final outcome.
18. Presently government has launched certain development projects targeting the entire development of the provinces, that have been badly afflicted by the conflict, and it is important to note that there is no significant development assignments were conducted at both these provinces going back three decades due the escalation of battle.
20. Under the Uthuru wasanthaya task which targeted rapid development of North province and Eastern revival job which targeted development in the Eastern province, including travel and leisure industry has launched certain mega development tasks in order to build up once war shade areas has reached certain impressive benchmarks which was commended by the International community too. This past year Sri Lanka was among the best tourist visitors attractions/destination on earth and it includes documented 654, 477 holiday arrivals, that was the highest number ever recorded during the past ten years.
21. In addition to the development of infrastructure facilities there are some other challenges have to be consider gives a primary impact to the balance of the peace. Those are resettling of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP), Humanitarian de-mining and Re-integration of ex-LTTE combatants to the contemporary society.
22. Careful examination of the factors, that could use to handle the issues in regards to to IDPs and ex-combatants in the context of the analysis, can achieve amazing results. Development of tourism therefore will come in convenient because there are so many strategies are open for all of us to address some key issues relating for these provinces and in doing so reaching towards the results.
SUMMARY
23. Sri Lanka with its strategic location, diversity of attractions with its rich traditional culture, books, history and none other than its people whom best known for his or her friendliness and hospitality has prompted many to visit this beautiful island.
24. Thirty years of separatist war by the entire world most ruthless terror outfit, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) possessed devastated especially the North and Eastern regions of our country. It had not created much conducive environment for just about any business including tourism in Sri Lanka. Three ages of war which destructed all most all strata of the society and there have been significant damage for the house and belongings in Northern and Eastern areas. Overall infrastructure facilities are extremely weakened in these areas therefore so many center related issues possessed emerged out of this situation. People in the North and East lost their trust towards the majority Sinhalese people and this was further aggravated with the escalation of the war.
25. The areas belong to both north and east have a long-standing record with regard to both ancient and tourism. Cultural heritage of both provinces goes way back to early times and it reminds continuous flow of travellers from differing of the world and it evidently signifies that these areas were ongoing sights of the holidaymakers. Aside from all, these areas were mainly popular because of its natural destinations, socio-cultural attractions and man made attractions.
26. There were certain steps considered by the successive government authorities and authorities to build up tourism industry in these provinces were failed due to the in-completeness and warfare situation prevailed in the country. With all the dawn of calmness to our land the importancy of producing of the travel and leisure industry in both of these provinces were again taken into consideration in order to address certain issues in these provinces. Mainly to uplift the life style of folks and by expanding tourism industry will automatically assist in the development of the region specially in the fields of infrastructure development, telecommunications, technology, trade and money. This past year Sri Lanka was one of the better tourist sights/destination in the world and it has documented 654, 477 traveler arrivals, that was the highest number ever recorded in the past a decade.
28. Sri Lankan administration with the intent of developing travel and leisure industry in the North and East had launched certain development jobs to achieve its eyesight to transform tourism industry in the country as the most significant forex earner benefiting the stakeholders of travel and leisure and the folks of Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Travel and leisure Development Specialist and the Hotel institution proposed skill-training project to be able to uplift the level of skill would play a essential role with regard to training aspect. On going mega development jobs launched under the ministries of Land building, Economic development and central bank or investment company will gives an extra edge for the fulfillment of the perspective.
29. Potential extension of the industry in these areas were evaluated and there were so many areas which we're able to develop as tourist destinations were identified. With the situational examination, it was further elaborated what we have to do exactly and what areas should get the awareness.
30. Apart from the development of infrastructure facilities there are some other challenges have to be consider which gives a primary impact to the stability of the peacefulness. Those are resettling of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP), Humanitarian de-mining and Re-integration of ex-LTTE combatants to the population. Careful analysis of the factors, which could use to address the issues in regards to to IDPs and ex-combatants in the context of the analysis, can achieve amazing results. Development of travel and leisure therefore will come in helpful because there are so many strategies are open for all of us to handle some key issues relating for these provinces and thereby reaching towards the results.
RECOMENDATIONS
31. Having considered the opportunities designed for us it is paramount importance to provide the top priority to the people in these areas to get them selves employed in the vacancies existing in this field. Priority must be given to ex-LTTE combatants and IDPs. This will also gives the chance to re-integrate these people to the world in a successful manner. Will also help the reduction of poverty level and unemployment specially in the field of youth unemployment which will directly aid to have ecological peace in our country because unemployment will lead to numerous disputes and presently vacancies available in this travel and leisure industry will greatly create the opportunity to address this issue.
32. Along with the development of travel and leisure industry in both both of these provinces will give the opportunity to the folks in these areas to market their products. This will certainly reduce the poverty level and in exchange their income will rise and financial position of the population will go up. This is also very much vital to keep sustaining peacefulness because once you loose or reduce the financial position in the population there's a tendency to getting into a position to demand unnecessarily and also to gain undesirable advantages in exchange it'll de-stabilize the society.
33. Development of travel and leisure in these provinces will immediately enhance the collaboration and participation of people in these areas towards region development. In return, it will provide a positive consequence of sustaining serenity in this country because going back three decades of your time because of the war, participation towards obtaining the goals of the country was deprived from these folks. They will likewise have the equal possibility to contribute and as well concerning get themselves benefited from the outcome. This can also negate the mentality that they were not treated accordingly as per their privileges because most of them think being the minority Tamil community inside our country these were deprived from their rights and discriminated all together by the Sinhalese majority.
34. Expansion of the industry will open up so many other avenues to build up these areas and people whom included or restricted for an extremely small geographical area will possess the opportunity to build links between their counterparts in the south. This can also help to build the understanding between people and earn the hearts and thoughts of individuals. People in the south will also get an chance to interact with this people which will narrow down ideological distinctions that they had. Exploiting the opportunity got out of this industry will reach towards ecological peace and to develop harmony on the list of communities.
35. As a whole development of tourism in these provinces will greatly help develop the infrastructure facilities in these areas which will help to uplift the public standards to reach for higher living conditions too. This will gives a positive sense for the folks whom have undergone whole lot of difficulties through the conflict period and who lived under the crutches of LTTE terrorism. This will likely also provide a positive impact towards reaching of sustainable peace inside our country.
36. People in these provinces will get the chance to explore the earth and moreover to determine or earn a reputation among the international community in return this will up lift up the condition of their minds because they'll feel the importance of being acknowledged among the international community. That is as a result of opportunity that we are receiving from the development or extension of travel and leisure industry.