News
Overseas Sri Lankans show interest in Jaffna tourism
Delft Island, one of Sri Lanka's largest, also known as Neduntheevu, is to be developed as a tourist destination.
Some Sri Lankans living in Canada have presented proposals to invest in tourism in Jaffna.
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Priyantha Feranando said: “We received some proposals for investment in Jaffna from Sri Lankans living in Canada. In particular, in the Karainagar area. These people, primarily from the diaspora, have provided the Government with a proper plan to develop that area in a more tourist-friendly manner.’’
The SLTDA will examine the proposals to ensure that they align with the National Tourism Plan.
“If that works, we will mobilise because we can aim for an increase in foreign exchange. If we go through with it, we can expect US$ 400 million in tourism revenue to come into the Jaffna area alone,” he said.
Investors have identified land-related issues as well, and that the local authorities in Jaffna must explain how the Government can best resolve those.
“On January 31 and February 1, we will have a mobile service unit in Jaffna to address the issues that industries are facing and to reach out to people in the informal sector who are not registered with us. The registration process will be publicised,” Mr. Fernando said.
Alliance Air began flying into Palaly, Jaffna, in mid-December, with four flights per week. According to SLTDA statistics, about 1,200 to 1,300 tourists arrive in Jaffna each week, mostly Indians, in addition to tourists from Colombo and other areas.
“When comparing Jaffna to the rest of the country in terms of operational room capacity, Jaffna performs better than the other areas. Because there are two routes: one for foreign tourists and one for domestic tourists. As a result, hotels in Jaffna have a fairly high occupancy rate,” Mr. Fernando said.
Ferry services between Kankesanthurai port in Jaffna district and Pondicherry are also expected to resume. Each ferry will carry 600 to 700 passengers.
Delft Island, one of Sri Lanka’s largest, also known as Neduntheevu, is to be developed as a tourist destination. There are historical monuments on the island and it has an unaffected rustic and remote ecosystem along with its Dutch architecture.
There have not been any tourism development on the island.
“In that area, we have to maintain the same identity, the Dutch heritage has to be maintained when developing the product. There is potential. Easily we can develop a marina there since marine tourism is another target,” he said.
The Government is planning to promote marine tourism combining Delft Island, Mannar and the Kalpitiya area to Colombo and Galle going up to Trincomalee. This will also target a different tourism segment and it will be high end tourists, Mr. Fernando said.
Nadarasa Darshan, who wants to be a tour guide said: “If I get a chance, I will permanently work in tourism. Local and foreign tourists are visiting Delft Island. But we have not received proper training.’’
The Government operates a boat and there are a few private services. The nearly one-hour boat ride to the island in private boats is difficult and uncomfortable for tourists. Mr Darshan said roads and boat services must be improved.
CNN Travel named Jaffna one of the 18 most underrated tourist destinations in Asia last week.
“Most foreign tourists head to Sri Lanka’s beautiful south coast into its central tea country, both of which are fairly easy to reach from the main city of Colombo and beloved by Instagrammers who come to ride the famous rails.
However, the northern part of the island is worth the sometimes-difficult car or bus ride to get there,” CNN Travel reported.
The best way to say that you found the home of your dreams is by finding it on Hitad.lk. We have listings for apartments for sale or rent in Sri Lanka, no matter what locale you're looking for! Whether you live in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna and more - we've got them all!