President Ranil Wickremesinghe has unveiled a robust plan for the rapid enhancement of Arugam Bay into a premier tourist hub, attracting both local and international visitors, and boasting the potential to yield substantial revenue.

In discussions with key stakeholders in Ampara district’s tourism sector, President Wickremesinghe stressed the need for meticulous planning to identify areas requiring development. He highlighted the potential economic benefits of promoting water sports, particularly water skiing, along the Arugam Bay coastline.

Citing global projections that anticipate tourism contributing 10% of the global GDP by 2035, the President emphasized the necessity for Sri Lanka to proactively prepare for this shift. He also outlined a two-phase development plan for the Eastern Province’s tourism industry, aiming to complete it within the next decade.

During his tour of the Eastern Province, President Wickremesinghe personally assessed Arugam Bay and Peanut Farm beaches, engaging with tourists and local business representatives to understand challenges and opportunities in the area.

In the pursuit of making Arugam Bay a premier tourist destination, a proposal was presented to relocate the existing fishing port to a more suitable location with improved facilities for fishermen. The President expressed urgency in executing this transition to transform the region into a dedicated tourism zone.

Addressing challenges related to property deeds for local tourism businesses, President Wickremesinghe emphasized the need for a comprehensive report detailing these issues and proposing viable solutions.

In this comprehensive effort to develop Arugam Bay, President Ranil Wickremesinghe showcased his dedication to harnessing the potential of the Eastern Province’s tourism industry.