Sri Lanka: a new chapter

A new resort planned for Sri Lanka has particular importance - as it's the first of its kind since the end of the civil war and is to be constructed in the previously off-limits north of the country - in a bid to revitalise tourism...

Sri Lanka is preparing for a new chapter of development and a resurgence of tourism following the end of nearly three decades of conflict.

The war-hit north of the country is now being rediscovered by foreign investors and developers after Tamil Tigers guerrillas were crushed recently by Government forces, paving the way for a phase of economic liberalisation.

The conflict has cost the country dear in terms of tourism and the economy. Experts say that Sri Lanka's economic growth - which should have been eight per cent or more - has been hampered by the wars - stalling it at around four to five per cent.

Tourism authorities have now announced plans to attract 1.5 million tourists per year by 2016 - this year 500,000 tourists arrived, which was higher than it has been in years.

Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Bernard Goonatilake has also announced an international campaign to attract tourists from the UK, France, Germany, Russia, the Middle East and India. It will launch next month.

But, before a new rash of developments springs up to join the resurgence of tourists to the previously off limits North, industry bods are calling for a green revolution - one that will not ruin the environment and use up all of the country's resources.

As well as encouraging more visitors, the Government hopes that Sri Lankan nationals, previously scared off due to the conflict, will return to their country and invest in its business and property sectors.

The east coast is also being targeted for expansion, with hotels planned for the coastline, which boasts some of the best beaches in the country.

Whilst the work is on to encourage tourists back to the country, it will be some time before they will be able to have full access to the parts of the territory that was out of bounds during the conflicts, as the Government is still trying to re-home more than 200,000 displaced people as well as restoring transport connections.