The Ministry of Tourism has launched a fresh programme to enhance the facilities for local and foreign tourists at provincial level.

Minister of Tourism Milinda Moragoda has decentralized the activities of the Ministry and as a further step to this, the Ministry yesterday declared open a Tourist Aid station called “Diyapahasa” at Bellihuloya for tourists.  Costing Rs. 4 million the Station was set up using funds from the Ministry in collaboration with the Upcountry Development Authority and Imbulpe Pradeeshiya  Sabha.  The latter will manage it as well.

Thanks to the Tourist Aid Station, people who travel from Colombo to Balangoda will be able to relax near the beautiful and scenic Belihuloya stretch.

The Chairman, Imbulpe Pradeeshiya Sabha Mr. D.R. Indu Gunathilaka said that there are several beautiful waterfalls in and around the Balangoda area which have been frequently visited during the King Walagambahu era.  He said that tourism development in the area will uplift the people in Balangoda and the nearby regions.

Minister Milinda Moragoda said tourist guides are still using a package which has been in existence in the 1970’s and these have to be modernize while the provincial councils and other local bodies also have a role to play.

At present the Ministry is preparing a project to declare a cultural triangle in the Southern area and parallel to this the Ministry could immediately bring out a new package covering Colombo with scenic places and waterfalls in Udalwalawe, Embilipitiya and Balangoda area.