The Minister gave these instructions during a discussion held yesterday (27) to review the progress of development projects implemented by the Ministry of Tourism.

The Ministry of Tourism has allocated Rs.519.56 million for tourism development projects this year and from that, a sum of Rs.37 million has been allocated for the development of tourist attractions. Under the infrastructure development of tourist attractions, a number of development projects have already commenced, including the construction of the Yala Galge entrance, the construction of the Madulsima Mini World's end viewing room, and the development of infrastructure at Bopath Ella premises.

Furthermore, under the Human Resource Development Project of the tourism sector which has an Rs.45 million allocations, training activities are being undertaken across the country. As of March 31, a total of 1042 individuals have been trained at 21 centers in 11 districts.

Rs. 10 million has been allocated for the Community Tourism Village Project in which a total of 07 tourism villages are under operation. In addition, Badulla, Bandarawela and Nuwara Eliya railway stations are being renovated under the railway station modernization program which has an Rs.62 million allocations.

Moreover, addressing the gathering, Minister Ranatunga stressed the need for the Ministry of Tourism and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority to jointly implement tourism development activities.

Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism S. Hettiarachchi, Additional Secretary Deepa Sannasuriya, and the Chairperson of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Kimarli Fernando also shared their views during this discussion.