Deputy Minister of Tourism reveals what will be done to Gardmore Falls

Deputy Minister of Tourism reveals what will be done to Gardmore Falls

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Professor Ruwan Ranasinghe, says that steps will be taken to turn the area where the Gardmore Falls are located in Maskeliya into a tourist destination by 2026.

The Deputy Minister said this while participating in a tour of the area where the Gardmore Falls are located in Maskeliya yesterday (09).

Expressing further views, the Deputy Minister said that by developing such areas with tourist attractions, the economic condition of the people in those areas can also be improved.

The Deputy Minister also pointed out that the area can be developed as a special tourist attraction area in the future by involving all institutions.

He said that although proposals have been made before to develop the area around the Gardmore Falls, they have not been implemented.

The Deputy Minister further stated this while addressing the media.

“Although many tourists come to this area, they do not have the necessary facilities.

Modern facilities like helicopters can be established here. Funds will be allocated for this from our government’s next budget.

Money has been allocated to the Provincial Development Authority to develop the main road leading to this area.

Development activities related to this are being carried out expeditiously.

Since the area where Diya Ella is located is a private estate, relevant measures will be taken through the Maskeliya Pradeshiya Sabha.

Just as the tourist community has increased in areas like Ella, Kandy and Hambantota, we are taking steps to establish a new center through the Tourism Development Authority.

Minister of Plantation Infrastructure Samantha Vidyarathna is providing basic facilities such as food, housing, education and health services to the upcountry plantation people.

Steps have been taken to provide permanent addresses to the upcountry plantation people.

First, after providing housing schemes for the upcountry plantation people We are holding discussions to grant them land rights.

Unlike the previous government, we are not ready to deceive the people by publishing a fake gazette notification on behalf of the estate workers.

Our government is also taking steps to provide them with a proper salary to properly advance their livelihood.”

A group of members of the Maskeliya Pradeshiya Sabha, along with Nuwara Eliya District Parliamentarian Krishnan Kalaichelvi, were participating in this observation tour.